MIKE MONTALVO

BIO

Mike Montalvo was born in Porterville, California on January 27,1963.  He moved to Bakersfield in 1970 and has, except for a couple of brief periods out of state, lived here ever since.  His interest in art began at the early age of five when he would steal his uncle’s artwork and take it home to try and reproduce it.  From there, his interest in all types of art grew more and more.  
   However as he got older, his art career became secondary to obtaining an education and a career which would provide a decent living.  So he pursued a degree in English Literature and became an English teacher.  While earning his degree he would take as many different art courses (A Little Bit of Everything) he could afford.   

    He enjoys exploring different techniques and styles, when possible, to this day.  This is obvious in his body of work.
   He has lived in California most of his life.  This has definitely had an affect on his artwork.  This is apparent with his bold use of color and his disregard for the “standard” techniques.
   He believes art exists to bring forth some kind of emotional response from the viewer.  He has done paintings which caused the customer to cry.  Some of his pieces have offended onlookers.  He feels it is his job as an artist to bring out these feelings.  “ If someone looks at my work and loves it that’s great. But, if they hate it or are offended by it, that’s OK too.  They don't have to look at it.  But at least I have caused them to feel something.”