Michael Craft
Bio/About
Michael came into the world holding a camera in one hand and a cooking spatula in the other. Driven by a passion for capturing life on film and the desire for the best red velvet cake recipe, he continues to strive for a photographic utopia and the perfect dinner party.
For over 25 years, Michael has been capturing images and since childhood, he has always been fascinated with photography.
Everything from candid family photos to classic Hollywood stars posing for legendary photographers has dazzled Michael’s creative eye. He loves capturing people looking their best and loves when they want to glam it up! His inspiration has come from great classic photographers such as George Hurrell and current photographers like David LaChapelle, Justin Monroe and Mike Ruiz.
Bringing Sweet Tooth to life, his first coffee table book, was a dream come true. Combining what he calls “his two favorite things, dessert and men-in that order” was some of the most fun and creative shoots he’s created. Up next will be Unwrapped, which has been in the making for four years will showcase about 60 diverse male models wrapped up naked in Saran Wrap and breaking free. Look for that in the spring of ’23!
Michael can also be seen in a YouTube TV art talk show he’s created with childhood friend and fellow artist, Lisa D’Amico called “Lisa & Michael Save The World!”. Lisa and Michael also created the art group, The Bluefield Artists, which consists of friends who are also artists.
May we ask you a few questions?
What is something you had to put off because of the pandemic that you have recently done or is on your list to do soon?
Well, I had to put my current project/coffee table book, Unwrapped on hold. I started shooting for it in 2018 and was close to finishing when Covid hit. Then I moved from Paterson, New Jersey down here to Fort Lauderdale and decided to continue shooting down here. I finally finished shooting for the project this past April, finished editing the photos in September, I am now laying it out and getting it ready to go to print. Four years in the making, but it’s going to be great!
What does your art future hold for you?
Though I still want to continue shooting, I want to start collaborating more with other artists. I feel that will take my art to the next level. I just collaborated with painter, Sherman Yee and plan on collaborating with mixed media artist Enrique Cirino next. I’d also like to do more collage work with my photos.
How do you keep motivated?
Being around and talking with other artists motivates me to be a better artist and pushes me as an artist to try different things.
Name a famous artist that inspires you and one not yet famous artist you would like the readers to know about.
Justin Monroe is one of many. The second part is tough! I have many friends who are artists, I’d want everyone to know about them, so it would impossible to pick one.
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
There’s the November Hotspots Gallery show ( 3500 NE 12th Ave, Oakland Park, FL 33334) that my collaborative work with Sherman Yee is in and the Arts United show, DIVA ( Hatch 1121 Gallery, 1121 Lucerne Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33260) which runs 11/18 to 12/16. Plus I’m really excited about an art show that is in the planning stages for September 2023 featuring myself, Sherman Yee, Enrique Cirino and Jose Silva. That one will be at the Broward Art Guild Gallery, 3280 NE 32nd St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308. Follow my social media for more details on these shows.
What inspires you to be an artist and what inspiration can you pass on to others? Many things inspire me to be an artist. When I was a kid I was fascinated with old black and white photos, especially from the classic Hollywood era. Glamour photographers inspire me, I love making people look glamorous! I would say to anyone who is artistic in anyway, don’t waste your talent. Find an outlet for it and be aggressive!
How are you giving back to your community?
I help out my good friend, Lisa D’Amico, who is also an awesome artist with The Rockland Arts Festival. This takes place online each year, we’re working on our 3rd year and features artists from the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT). Aside from featuring more than 100 artists online we also do about 8 or 9 live events online and feature different artist demos, dance, theater, music, etc. I hope this gives other artists an outlet to get their work out to the public.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you!
My two favorite things are dessert and men-in that order! In all seriousness though I do love baking many kinds of desserts.
Anything else you would like to include?
I also do an “art chat” talk show with fellow artist and good friend, Lisa D’Amico called “Lisa & Michael Save The World!” on YouTube. We feature local artists and discuss their influences, art history, likes, dislikes, etc.
The works featured here are available for purchase directly through the Artist. The Artist makes 100% of the profit of the sale of the artwork, so this is a great time to support them, while enhancing your art collection. The artist will directly pack and ship the product to you.
All works are original and signed by the artist!
For more information on these featured artworks email Michael at [email protected]
Home – Michael Craft Photography. 