"Figuratively abstract" artist shares inspiration

Colorado creations | Colorado Sunday

By The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 07/15/2007 01:28:55 AM MDT
"Figuratively abstract" artist shares inspiration

Who: Michael Gadlin

Medium: Wood panels using mixed media, which involves acrylic and latex house paints, ink, charcoal and cut paper.

His story: Growing up without much money and even fewer role models who reflected his multiracial background was daunting for a high school student aspiring to be an artist.

But Gadlin didn't allow that to stop him. He found support from teachers at Denver's East High School and representatives from the University of Denver who, upon reviewing his portfolio, pointed him in the direction of art school.

And after spending two years at one of the nation's leading art institutions, the Pratt Institute in New York, the artist "with a desire for classical romanticism, an urge to combine the old and the new and make it fresh," and a love for layers, developed his own style that he calls figuratively abstract.

"You can philosophize all day that painting is dead and that nothing is new, but my approach is to create a style that hasn't been seen," he said.

Now an established artist on the Colorado level, who feels "so close to art philosophy and lifestyle through Europeans," Gadlin aspires to touch people so much that his work is shown in museums around the world. But it is knowing that in high school he didn't have the foggiest idea of what he wanted to do - and was so intimidated he even feared branching out into the artistic arena - that motivates Gadlin to serve as a teacher and mentor to at- risk children in the Denver area.

In fact, he spent two weeks sketching and painting a piece for the Denver Polo Classic to be auctioned off at the Capital Grille Black Tie Ball on Friday to benefit the Children's Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money for at-risk and disadvantaged Colorado children.

"It keeps you humble, it keeps you fresh, it keeps you real," Gadlin said. "You'd be surprised at the talent and need for this outlet."

Philosophy: "It's really cliché: Be true to yourself," he said. "It's being honest and through my work being honest. It translates into my spiritual walk with my wife and kids.

"At times we get tastes of happiness and being complete. The desire is so great you're cursed with it, in a good way. I never want any regrets. I don't want to wonder what would it be like if I'd try this," he said.

Price range: His work starts at $1,000 and can reach upward of $25,000. The average price falls between $5,000 and $15,000.

Where to find his work: Visit Gadlin's website at www.gadlinscanvas .com. His work is also shown at Spark Gallery in Denver and at The Aspen Gallery in Aspen, Colorado. - Desiree Belmarez, Denver Post staff writer