Mike Baggetta
Mike Baggetta’s abstract expressionist paintings are an evolution from his years of drawing and painting, his
formal art training, and his professional design background. It is evident that his experience has shaped
the direction of his work. “I’m fascinated with the physicality of paint and the juxtaposition of texture
and color to create compositions that are both dynamic and highly poetic,” Baggetta explains.
Mike was born in New Jersey and grew up in Virginia where his fascination for the visual world was first
nourished. Baggetta’s family moved to Southern California in the early 70’s. Baggetta worked part time for
Disneyland where his talent and drive were recognized by the Disney staff. In 1980 he was asked to join
the creative team being formed for the Tokyo Disneyland project. Continuing to pursue creative challenges,
he left what had become a lucrative position to attend the prestigious Art Center College of Design in
Pasadena, CA.
In 1984 Baggetta graduated from Art Center College of Design with honors. He quickly developed a reputation
as a leading graphic designer and art director, opening his own design studio, Baggetta & Associates, creating
video packaging, posters, catalogs and print advertising materials for many of the top movie studios in
Hollywood, such as MGM/UA, Universal, Warner Bros. and Disney/Buena Vista.
In 1993 Baggetta moved north to Portland, Oregon with his wife and their two sons. The combination of the
diverse beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the vibrant arts community motivated Baggetta to reconnect with
drawing and painting. Almost immediately Baggetta had a resonant connection with the abstract genre, finding
a voice in the exuberant layering of paint in the abstract expressionist realm. It is evident that Baggetta's
background strongly informs his work with a clarity of design and color.
Each of Baggetta’s pieces begins as a field of textured color and is subsequently layered with additional
color and texture. “Generally a piece will let me know when it is finished” explains Mike, “I allow the
unexpected to happen and that can completely change the original direction of the artwork.” Through these
simple compositions and rich layering of paint and texture, the painting speaks beyond culture and time.
“In many ways creating art is the documentation of a moment, the fingerprint of the energy that is passing
through us at this point in time.”
Mike Baggetta's Work at RiverSea Gallery
Click on the following thumbnails to see bigger pictures.
Past Exhibits at RiverSea Gallery
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