The Academy of Special Dreams Foundation is honored to welcome Michael Unsingers as our Featured Artist!
Welcome to the Academy Michael!
Your are a true inspiration in the world of arts. Congratulations and Welcome to the Academy of Special Dreams Foundation!
Michael Dergar/Founder
About the Artist,
My artwork is a personification of mental health and the human condition with characters that are allegories for different states of mind. The surreal scenes I paint describe how my every day life feels with Bipolar Schizoaffective disorder. Painting brings me peace of mind and quiets my chaotic internal world.
My interest with art started when I was a child, constantly filling my time with drawing and painting. I re-ignited my passion for art out of high school when I realized I needed a life path that coincided with personal fulfillment. I found myself chasing an art degree as an animator but that chase came to an abrupt end when I was forced to drop out of school due to being diagnosed with Bipolar Schizoaffective. 2016-2018 were difficult years of transitioning back to reality from psychosis’ and hospitalizations. I soon realized I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the fast paced requirements that animators are often subjected to.
I doubled down on my painting career. Painting has always been a passion and it was one of the ways I could fund my collegial adventures. Wielding an arsenal of brushes and brandishing my paints I honed my abilities, constantly diving into different styles and methods. I found my voice through artwork. Being mostly self taught, I had an affinity for learning art. Through de-constructing other artists works and challenging myself artistically with their lessons, I understood that in every triumph or mistake – a learning experience. I inevitably the voice of confidence that told me I had progressed into the professional art world. I applied to my first art shows, and found success in my hard work. Being in the public eye and networking with other artists taught me I had a lot more to learn about art. With every new lesson stoking the flames of my artistic resolve, this is my highest calling; painting makes my soul sing.
