ARTIST AND MUSICIAN MIKE. P. CANVAS. SHARES HIS LOVE FOR THE ARTS AND HIS INSPIRATIONS.

Mike P. Canvas is a 25-year-old artist and musician from Virginia, USA. Although Mike is his real name, most people for a long time knew him as “P.U.S.H” – an acronym that stood for “pray until something happens”. This is where the letter “P” in Mike P. Canvas came from and Canvas simply from his passion for art. Altogether through his name, he wants people to recognise him for who he really is (Mike), his drive to be successful and work for what he wants (P.U.S.H.), and for his love for the arts (Canvas).

We sat down with Mike to find out how it all began:

Mike P Canvas Interview Title Image

When did your interest in art begin?

“Art and music have always come naturally to me and ever since I could remember, they have been a part of my life one way or another. I have been drawing since I was around 6 and that’s when I would say the interest in art really began. As I got older, my ability to see things visually heightened and led me to develop interest in other forms of art such as photography, videography and fashion.

When I first started drawing, I didn’t really have the professional materials or expensive resources. I learnt to make use of whatever I had. This was usually just a pencil, felt tip sharpie or whatever I could get a hold of. That’s the real beauty of art – it doesn’t take much to create and when you have a love for it, nothing can restrict you.”

Do you always know what you want to draw beforehand or do you just pick up a pencil and let your imagination flow?

“I hardly ever just pick up a pencil and start drawing. It typically always starts with a vision in my head which I then depict. I can never guess precisely how long a piece will take me, the time mainly depends on the complexity of the work. It can be anywhere from a few mins to a few weeks.”

What is your favourite piece of work that you’ve created?

“My favourite piece of work has to be the hand-drawn portrait-style drawing of me and my mom when I was a kid – it’s very dear to me and so I’ve not even publicised it.”

Here are two of his artwork:

BY MIKE. P. CANVAS

BY MIKE P. CANVAS

(The interview continues further below)

As far as music, Mike produces, writes, sings and sometimes raps. He can also play the piano which he has been on and off for about 6 years. We asked him who his inspirations are, here’s what he had to say:

“Pharrell is one of my biggest inspirations musically. I’ve been following his work since the beginning of his career. His diversity and creativity has always been something I can relate to. Artistically, Jean-Michel Basquiat is someone that has most noticeably inspired me and I hope to inspire the world in my own way.”

If you could give someone advice on pursuing their dreams, what would you say?

“My only advice would be to stay true to yourself. Sounds a bit cliche, but I feel like so many people are just scared to be themselves. It’s so important to embrace what makes you unique.”

What do you imagine yourself doing 5 years from now? – What is the future for Mike P. Canvas?

“To be honest, I’m not 100% sure where my work will take me. I want to make a living out of being creative and artistic – Regardless of what field of art it’s in.”

What do you want to be remembered by?

“I want to be remembered as a pioneer. Someone who used music and the arts to encourage positivity and change. I want people; particularly children to embrace what makes them unique and let them know it’s okay to be different.”