Michael Ford

Michael’s work is influenced by his interest and love of Western history and the world leaders who have influenced it. Michael also harbors a deep fascination with the costumes and clothing of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he depicts in his paintings through the lens of someone who has been both tailor and fashion designer, in addition to visual artist. Michael uses acrylics to convey the light and shadow and resonant hues of color that bring his portraits to the observer in a new way, using the patriotic imagery to explore greater questions about the lives of the people he depicts. Michael’s art can be found hanging in private collections in: New York, NY; Southampton, NY; Detroit, Michigan; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Tuxedo Park, NY. Previously represented by the Inaam Johnson Gallery in Birmingham, Michigan.

Michael Ford was born in Jackson, Michigan, where he attended Lumen Christi High School, discovering in these early days that he possessed a keen eye and passion for art and fashion. Professionally, Michael became vice president of SJ Maddalena Inc, where he spent a decade designing residential and commercial interiors.

Sensing that his artistic vision needed a larger scope than what he was observing in his suburban environment, Michael moved to New York City to pursue an undergrad degree at The Parsons School of Design. His desire to understand and apply the technical aspect in addition to the aesthetic components of design led Michael to continue his studies at Harvard Graduate School of Design, where he learned architecture and business design. Michael then continued his formal education by studying oil painting and drawing at The School of Visual Arts in New York.

Michael’s love of the avant-garde led him to seek out the underground art and performance taking place in New York’s nightclubs which carried on in the tradition and philosophy of Andy Warhol’s famous Factory. He became known for staging elaborate looks with hand crafted, meticulously created bespoke costumes that quickly led to him being hired by the most pop...

Art Serve, Fort Lauderdale
Big Bold Art,October 2016

Solo show @Art Serve, Fort Lauderdale
November 2017