Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Wyckoff
Hi Micah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In all honesty, I grew up participating in activities like dance and volleyball, and I always enjoyed making music with friends. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that I decided to take an introductory painting class. My teachers, Mrs. Roush and Mrs. Ross, were my biggest inspirations and influences in my artistic career. They were both so well-versed in the art world and possessed so much knowledge that I was eager to learn more.
After taking a few basic classes, I applied for my school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Art program, thinking it would be a good challenge for me. My teacher at the time told me I had a unique way with color in my paintings, and that comment always stuck with me. Discovering how I could use and manipulate color to create anything I wanted felt like a dream.
As high school continued, I explored what I liked to paint, gravitating toward landscapes and urban life. One day during my senior year, we had guest speakers from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I was blown away by the location and the course offerings. I went home that day and raved to my parents about this magical place I would soon be calling home.
By the end of my senior year, I declared my intention to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design and major in painting. Everything about this decision felt right. Now, as a senior at SCAD, I feel that my education and growing skills have set me up for success in my future in art and painting. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I think that’s the joy of discovering what you like and what you ultimately want to pursue. In my journey, I have always felt a connection to the urban landscape, and pinpointing the reason why has been my biggest struggle. For many artists, the story behind their work comes first—first the story, then the art. I feel like I have the art, then the story.
For the first half of my college career, I was hindered by comparison. After sitting down with Professor Holly Mathews, a painting professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design, she explained that I do not owe anything to anyone when it comes to my art. My art should be something I’m proud of, and I need to continue a discipline to improve my artist practice and grow as an artist.
When I adopted this mindset, my work improved significantly because I was creating things that I genuinely loved. However, it wasn’t until the end of my junior year that I truly understood and applied this perspective.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an acrylic painter who specifies in working with nocturnal urban landscapes!
My work explores nocturnal landscapes, focusing on the shimmering reflections of streetlights and the artificial illumination that highlights the natural environment. I specialize in capturing the silent moments of the nights. When the streets are quiet but the traffic lights are still changing from red to green. The warm street lights that interact with the green trees that are hidden in the darkness. These scenes hold a place to be visually that I enjoy reflecting and re creating!
**What are you most proud of?**
I am most proud of my ability to create a visual scene that is full of color. It makes me feel in control of my work when all the colors work together to create this beautiful scene. Then to be finsihed with the painting and think “wow I did that” it’s just so rewarding.
**What sets you apart from others?**
What sets me apart is my unique approach to depicting the network of spaces, particularly the often-overlooked quiet streets. I use a moody pallet of color and abstract my image, to where when you’re far away the image looks tight then the closer you get the more blown out and abstract it gets. I enjoy having an image and singling out a section of the image to potray a scene. It can make a viewer ask questions like “what else is going on behind this section?” “Is there more?” I like when these questions come about becouse then that viewer is putting there own memories and reflections to complete the image before them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Alot of things make me happy! If we are stepping out of the art realm for a second, I have such an amazing support system of friends and family! My S/O is truly a blessing in my life. All these people that I get to say are behind me and be there for me is something so pure. I will never not be grateful for this army of people I have by my side!
Music is also a big part of what makes me happy, getting to find a song that perfectly goes with a memory or a feeling can always put a pep in my step. There are just so many things to appreciate in this life that I can say make me happy! Truly a very grateful gal
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Micahkallanart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahkallanart
