The quotidian objects of Michael Fitts’ paintings have an effective and intriguing relationship with the medium in
which he paints.  His use of rich, vibrant oil paint juxtaposed with the rough, distresses scrap metal surfaces
provides the viewer with a surprisingly realistic image that appears to float above the surface of the “canvas.” 
Placed in this unexpected context, the subject matter – familiar everyday objects, carefully constructed and
detailed – appear surreal, gentle and serious, and yet with a touch of whimsy. Fitts’ attention to detail and the
realistic aspect of the image demands a serious analysis from the viewer.  His paintings draw the viewer into the
work and once explored more closely, demands admiration for the Fitt’s innovative exploration of non-traditional
surface treatment.

"I began painting on scrap metal in 1992 and I’m always asked, “Why scrap metal?” After I graduated from art school,
I began looking for alternative surfaces on which to paint—partly for the experimental aspect but mostly because
I didn’t have money to spend on canvas. I noticed a neighbor was throwing out a piece of old sheet tin with his
trash. I retrieved it and have been painting on scrap tin, copper and aluminum ever since. What I found appealing
from the onset was the sheer variety of surface tones and textures that I discover in my search for metal. For me,
surfaces are very important, more important than the subjects painted on them. Of particular interest are scrap
pieces that have markings, distressed paint or dents and scratches that were produced before I discovered the
piece. Collaboration with those past elements keeps the process evolving and interesting. I also enjoy the thought
of retrieving materials from the trash heap and breathing new life into them through my paintings.

The subjects I paint in oils draw from the most generic of popular culture objects with an emphasis on objects
that are used once, then discarded and quickly forgotten. The unexpectedness of elevating the importance of
ephemeral objects to the status of art is what I find most interesting."

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Artist website: http://mfitts-art.blogspot.com/

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