michael_godard_bio.pdf

MICHAEL GODARD 1963– Above: Detail of “19th Hole Water Bound” by Michael Godard. (2015) 30 7/8’’ x 38’’. Giclee in color with hand- embellishment on canvas.  “Carry Me Off” by Michael Godard (2016). 16" x 19 7⁄8". Acrylic painting on canvas. “Rose Angel” by Michael Godar...

MICHAEL GODARD 1963– Above: Detail of “19th Hole Water Bound” by Michael Godard. (2015) 30 7/8’’ x 38’’. Giclee in color with hand- embellishment on canvas.  “Carry Me Off” by Michael Godard (2016). 16" x 19 7⁄8". Acrylic painting on canvas. “Rose Angel” by Michael Godard (2016). 25" x 18 3⁄4". Acrylic painting on canvas. “Rockstar of the Art World” Michael Godard captivates special place in my heart,” Godard says. “All the money viewers with his animated olives, whimsical grapes, and in the world cannot bring her back, but the funds I dancing strawberries. Godard redefines art with quirky help raise for a cure will help save another child.” imagery that combines imagination with humor. Godard works closely with The Sharon Osbourne Godard’s artwork has been shown and collected all Colon Cancer Program, The Make-A-Wish Foundation, over the world. His artwork is on permanent display and the Nevada Cancer Institute. The artist also in the Officer’s Lounge in the Pentagon and on board supports military organizations like the Wounded every U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Godard is an active Warrior Project and Fallen Heroes Project. philanthropist and has been honored by St. Jude “My life really isn’t about my art at all,” Godard says. Children’s Research Hospital for his dedication to “My art is a vehicle to do something in the world that fighting childhood cancer. will make a difference.” Personal History Style and Influences Godard discovered his talent for art at an early age. The young artist used his drawing skills as a way to Godard’s spectrum of artwork ranges from highly- make new friends. Godard spent most of his high detailed paintings to loose, colorful Pop Art. His school and college years living in Las Vegas. After playful subjects are often portrayed dancing around attending college in Las Vegas, Godard worked as a a cocktail or glass of wine, falling in love, and getting mechanical engineer for 12 years before diving into his into trouble. Godard acknowledges his brand might not art career. appeal to everyone, but believes humor is a universal language. In 2006, Godard lost his 16-year-old daughter to brain cancer. The artist now dedicates his life’s work to “Every painting might not be for every person, but helping families fighting cancer by working closely with everyone, I think, loves to have a laugh,” Godard says. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Godard invented his signature olive character after a “They were also very instrumental in my own friend requested a painting of a dirty martini for his daughter’s battle with brain cancer, so they have a very birthday. Godard painted his friend’s request with a twist and brought a pair of olives to life. While his “Olive with Toothpick Black” by Michael Godard “Moonlight Caddy” by Michael Godard (2015). “Wine Angel” by Michael Godard (2015). (2015). 30’’ x 24’’. Acrylic painting on canvas. 24 1 ⁄8’’ x 18 1 ⁄8’’. Acrylic painting on canvas. 59 7 ⁄8’’ x 45 1 ⁄8’’. Acrylic painting on canvas. characters are unconventional, Godard embraces the Accomplishments challenge of giving personalities to inanimate objects. Godard appeared on A&E’s “Criss Angel’s Although Godard’s whimsical paintings are far removed Mindfreak” and during the Biography Channel’s from reality, the artist hides secret ties to the real Criss Angel segment. world within his art. Godard says he’s modeled his silly characters after friends or people he’s met at art A documentary on Godard’s life won several awards auctions. If the viewer looks closely, they’ll also find and was aired at multiple independent film festivals. hidden details like names, dates, or initials scattered In 2006, Godard published a book, “Don’t Drink and throughout Godard’s artwork. Draw.” The book chronicles Godard’s journey from “The paintings are like a humorous, emotional bath,” a troubled childhood through the rise as an artist. he says. With a foreword written by Ozzy Osbourne, the book outlines over 100 artworks, and has received Godard’s artwork centers around several themes all numerous awards, including “Art Book of the Year.” pointing back to the artist’s Vegas roots. Many of Godard’s characters are seen playing a round of golf, In March of 2011, a slot game called “Godard’s a nod to Godard’s years of living on Las Vegas golf Rockin’ Olives™ Video Slot” by Aristocrat courses. Godard’s olives are also portrayed gambling Technologies made its debut at the San Manuel —a signature Vegas pastime as well as a tribute to Indian Bingo & Casino on March 22, 2011. Each Godard’s love of math. frame and image in the Rockin’ Olives machine was hand-painted by Godard. “I’m fascinated by the statistics and math behind gambling,” Godard says. “I’m a math geek.” In 2013, Godard created his own brands of gin and vodka with his artwork adorning the bottles. Alcohol is also a common theme throughout Godard’s work. Although the artist says he is not a heavy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital honored drinker, he embraces the social side of alcohol to bring Godard for his dedication to fighting childhood people together. cancer at the 7th Annual St. Jude: Affair of the Art gala on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas. “I look at alcohol as a very social thing,” Godard says. “I think people can relate to the alcohol part of it because it’s sort of like celebrating life.”  “Red Wine (Love Pedals)” by Michael Godard (2015). 19 1⁄8" x 38 1⁄2". Mixed media painting with acrylic on canvas. “Chillin2” by Michael Godard “Cherry Cosmo” “Card Shark Full House” by Michael Godard (2016). 19" x 23 3⁄4". (2016). 36" x 8". Acrylic by Michael Godard Mixed media painting with acrylic on canvas. painting on canvas. (2017). 48" x 10". Acrylic painting on canvas. 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