We’re pleased to announce a new semi-regular feature for On the Inside Tip, called “Dear Diary,” where we ask some of the artists we’re friends with to take us through a typical day through photos.

Artist Michael Mararian kicks off the new series as he plans for his upcoming show, “Recent Projects,” opening May 18th at Corey Helford Gallery in LA. Thanks Michael for popping our Dear Diary cherry! (ew….sorry)

Michael gave us a little insight on the show- enjoy! And be sure to look out more exclusive glimpses into our artists friends’ day to days (I hope they get scandalous)

My latest exhibition, “Recent Projects”, is a collection of revolving concepts and ideas that I have been exploring for the last year and a half.    With a continued focus on combining pathos, humor, shock value and the absurd, this show brings new areas of exploration in both technique and attitude.  Most of the work being shown is in full color (a first for me) as well as using found vintage books, magazines and ephemera as a re-purposed canvas in a majority of the new work.    My phobia series from 2008 is also revisited in full color and we get a glimpse into the beginnings of some upcoming series such as  “Over Stimu-lie”, “Horrible Gifts for Children” and a contemporary re-imagining of Edward Gorey’s “The Ghastlycrumb Tinies”

5:00 am – My furry morning alarm clocks waiting to eat- my wife feeds them but they wake me anyway…

6:30am – Coffee on the porch now that it’s nice out. Contemplating what I should paint today – I need to work on one of my small book paintings.
(I wish this mug would quit copying MY mug)

8:00 am – got my micro-painting gear on – I’m going in…!

1:00 pm – Tiny painting process so far – I hope to finish this in one day if I can….

1:30 PM – Lunchtime with Netflix – I take exactly one hour. I try to live my art life like I would a 9 to 5 job. It’s the only way I can work out of my home without goofing off

2:30 pm – I need a quick trip to see Justin my Framer and pick up what he has ready. He is holding up one of my distorted youth magazine covers.
Looking good Justin- thanks

6:00 pm – nearly finished book cover painting – have to come back tomorrow to finish it off.

6:30 pm – I usually have a cigar when I finish off a show – but since I only have one other piece to do I’m starting a little early.

A recent 360 photo of my studio by photographer Nick Abbate for an upcoming book inspired by the personal space of local artists here in Buffalo

BIG THANKS Michael!