Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Barton.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
From as early as I can remember I have played music and wanted to play professionally. I took private lessons on numerous instruments and played in countless ensembles. I went from making incoherent noises to playing simple etudes and then found myself studying music at the University of North Texas. After graduating, I continuing my music life by playing clubs, private parties and spend time during my days in recording studios. When I was in school, I used to marvel at the cover art and magazine covers that featured my musical heroes throughout history. In college it became solidified in me that the humanities cross over into many disciplines and that art is much more than any one things. Music has a deep culture in the visual arts and so I began learning about photography. I study it, and spent much of my free time with a camera in my hands exploring the world. I never left music, however, after the attacks of 9/11, the music industry was forever changed and a great deal of work dried up. Turning to photography, my career took off and by 2013 I had earned my Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America, was accepted as a Fellow of the American Society of Photographers and won countless awards at the international level. At this point, my visual art has expanded into woodworking and mixed media. As an extension of this, I began to build my first electric bass using my background as a professional musician as my inspiration. Each instrument that I build has a different personality, tells a different story and creates a unique experience to everyone that comes in contact with them. Their voices are as individual as the musicians that play them.
Please tell us about your art.
A great instrument is more than just precision craftsmanship. It is more than high end hardware, carefully chosen wood, the perfect finish and top notch electronics. It is more than delicate balance, ergonomics, maximum playability and rich tone. A great instrument is a companion that blends a player with their music in a way that no other instrument can. A great instrument changes the notes that a musician plays and colors each phrase with articulation and soul.
Michael Barton is dedicated to creating instruments that are as unique as the musician that holds it in their hands. It is the culmination of decades of playing and the study of visual art that has given Michael the unique ability to find a voice in each creation. Michael would like to help you find your voice and your musical partner. Whether you are purchasing an existing instrument or commissioning your own inspiration, Michael is dedicated to making sure that every work is not only masterfully crafted, but also built in a way that brings your soulmate to life.
There is a story behind each instrument, there is a story behind each name. Just ask, Michael would be happy to tell you about them.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
There are always artists looking for a community. It is true that there are artists that do not like to share their process out of fear of losing work, there are also many artists that are willing to share if you seek them out. They say that is never hurts to ask, I disagree. When we ask questions, we leave ourselves vulnerable and open for rejection. We need to get past that fear and ask anyway. Failure is part of the process. Art is a cold world, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t pockets where people are welcome. For me, there is far more to gain from sharing than there is by holding back.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work has been on exhibit throughout the Chicago area and in other regions of the United States. It is not currently on exhibit and instruments are always available to experience by appointment.
Contact Info:
- Address: 217 Larchwood Lane, North Aurora, IL 60542
- Website: www.michaelbartonmusic.com
- Phone: 630-728-1904
- Email: info@michaelbartonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleythebass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.barton.543
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MBartonArt
Image Credit:
Dawn Muncy (https://muncyphotography.com)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
