ARTISTIC STATEMENT
Artistic expression helps me understand myself, other people, nature, history, and the world we live in today. Art’s repeating cycles throughout history inspire my creativity and show the connections that unite generations. By studying the art of the past, I gain a deeper understanding Of shared human experiences and find authenticity in my own work.
I enjoy exploring both traditional and modern techniques, from Japanese printmaking to digital design and computer graphics, I earned my BFA from Marylhurst University in 1993, where I completed my thesis under respected instructors Dennis Cunningham, Stephen Hayes, Margaret Shirley, and Nanda D’Agostino.
I am inspired by artists past and present, the natural environment, ancient civilizations, and historic artistic techniques and tools, Drawing and carving linoleum blocks is where I find both rhythm and solace.
For more than 30 years, I have worked as a freelance designer and owner of Mick’s Media LLC, helping companies develop their brand identities. I also use modern digital tools to support my artistic process, combining graphic design, photography, drawing, and printmaking in my work. While I have deep respect for traditional methods and Japanese carving tools, I also recognize how technology can enhance design and execution.
My art reflects a lifetime of experiences, successes, failures, and
discoveries. I believe every challenge contributes to growth and
helps Shape who we become as artists. When people ask how long it took me to create a piece, I tell them, “My whole life.” The artistic journey, like life itself, requires struggle, and through that struggle comes growth.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Mickey’s hand-pulled prints are original works of art created using a traditional printmaking process. She carefully carves images by hand into a linoleum block using Japanese carving tools. Once the block is carved, it is inked and printed by hand onto paper.This process requires skill, patience, and hands-on craftsmanship. Mickey controls every step, including the inking, pressure, and paper placement, creating limited-edition prints and monoprints with unique characteristics, Mickey has expanded this traditional technique by experimenting With color and texture. Sometimes she paints or colors the paper before printing. Because oil-based ink and watercolor do not mix, she can remove, blend, and add colors to create distinctive effects. Through this process, a limited-edition print can become a one-of-a-kind monoprint.ln addition to printmaking, Mickey is a self-employed graphic designer and photographer with more than 30 years of experience through Mick’s Media LLC. She uses her design and photography skills to create strong compositions and photo-based artwork. Her inspiration comes from her experiences in nature and the beauty of the world around her.
GRAPHIC ARTIST
Mickey’s background in Graphic Design plays an important role in the development of her fine art. She uses intricate vector drawings and multi-layered digital compositions to plan and refine her artwork before making any physical marks or cuts. By arranging, studying, and experimenting with images, she explores composition and content, gaining a deeper understanding of each piece before beginning the hands-on creative process. Although her fine art is created physically, her graphic design expertise allows her to combine thumbnail sketches and photography drawn from her personal experiences and visual observations. Through this process, successful compositions emerge that guide both her linoleum block carvings and mixed-media drawings.
BIOGRAPHY
Mickey Weaver’s creative journey began with an innate curiosity and remarkable visionary abilities. At age five, she was featured in her local newspaper for painting found sticks and twigs gathered from her grandparents land — a moment that helped her realize she was an
artist from an early age.
Creativity became both a source of joy and solace as she grew up in a progressive American working-class household. Her parents nurtured her curiosity and encouraged her artistic strengths. Mickey’s mother wasan educator, and her father worked as a foundry technician.The middle child between two brothers, Mickey happily embraced life as a scrappy tomboy.
Growing up, she often sensed that she understood and processed information differently than those around her, While this sometimes presented challenges, those struggles ultimately became a catalyst for growth. Over time, She Shed outdated expectations and limiting beliefs, allowing herself to fully embrace her individuality and unique perspective. Through this transformation, she discovered the freedom to observe, accept, and celebrate her authentic self.
Mickey uses creativity as an instrument for exploring the subconscious. Through this process, personal challenges evolved into a deeper journey toward authenticity, self-discovery, and purpose.
Her work is rooted in a profound reverence for ancient printmaking traditions, honoring the wisdom and craftsmanship embedded within these time-honored methods.
Throughout her prolific artistic journey, Mickey examines questions of meaning, authenticity, purpose, and value in an increasingly complex world. Her work wrestles with themes Of personal choice, individual responsibility, and deliberate compassion for the innocent and vulnerable within an often troubled society.
