Today we have a brand new Back Talk with talented poster artist Michael Motorcycle. At a time when poster art can be associated with minimalist screen-printing, Michael Motorcycle creates fabulously intricate designs with a Victorian flair.

“I think first and foremost my work is romantic”, Motorcycle says. “A little melancholy too. In regard to style, mine is always changing. I tweak things just a little bit with every poster in order to keep things interesting.”

His work definitely keeps us interested. Read Back Talk with Michael Motorcycle below.

How do you feel right now?

I feel great! It’s 1:30pm, I’m painting in my sunny studio and it’s a beautiful June day. What could be better?

If you could wake up in a different place tomorrow morning, where would it be and what would you do?

I would be in the French countryside with my wife.  I would wake up in the early morning, drink coffee, eat breakfast outside in a garden, get on a train, go look at art until we drop, and sit together eating and drinking until the evening is gone.


If you lost your creative skill, how would you see yourself making a living?

Don’t you have to be creative to be good at something?  Probably a farmer, but not a good one since I wouldn’t have creative problem solving skills.

If you could punch one living contemporary artist, who would it be?

No one. I live for peace. I want everyone to achieve their own personal goals.


Was your first kiss worth writing a song about?

Absolutely.

At what point were you particularly happy?

I am happy when I get to work or am at leisure, so...now. Also, I am happy while eating breakfast, in France, at the pub, playing music….


No regrets allowed, but there must have been one?

I regret wasting time as a teen and in my early twenties. I wish I had been more disciplined.

What trait do your friends have in common?

They all love music, books, science, and drinking beer.

If you had to evacuate your home or studio, what's the one thing you would grab?

The cats.

Greatest love of your life?

My wife.

What is your favorite vice?

Belgian Beer.

When you blow out the birthday candles, what do you wish for?

It’s cliché but….long life and happiness, you know?

If you could play a character from a favorite film or TV show for a day, who would it be?

Any of William Powell’s characters, but especially in “the Star of Midnight” because he gets to marry Ginger Rogers.

Do you ever lie?

< thoughtfully > I don’t know…..I don’t know….


Do you think viewers understand the intent of your work?

I don’t think they always can unless they sit and talk with me about the work. But that’s not really important. What is important is that the viewer finds meaning.

What virtue can you do without?

Machismo.

Do you even notice when you're swearing?

Yes, I do.

What has been your proudest moment?

The day I quit my day job and was able to afford to do art full time.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for making something unique, for creating something that hadn’t existed before.  And for my craftsmanship.

How would you prefer to die? 

< laughs > peacefully, in bed while asleep.