Michael Irwin Art

                        MICHAEL IRWIN

Michael grew up in Newport Beach, California and would spend his free time collecting coke bottles and other treasures in his radio flyer wagon. He would then turn those recyclables into cash for surf wax and magazines. This understanding of how to reinvision one materials purpose to match his needs was developed at an early age. He went to Newport Harbor High School and then to Orange Coast Community College for two years. He was a stand out swimmer and spent his summers patrolling the Wedge in Newport beach as a lifeguard. Michael moved to Santa Barbara to continue his education at UCSB. Here he was able to immerse himself in all things art. He received his masters degree in ceramics from UCSB as well as his teaching credential, both would assist him in becoming a wonderfully well rounded artist. His childhood forays to collect junk reemmerged in his late twenties as he began creating art out of street signs and retired airplanes collected from the junk yard convienently located right next to his studio. His large enigmatic pieces radiate a feeling of knowledge while proposing deep questions simultaneously. His artwork occupies a wall and looks out on its observers begging for further investigation. Michael still lives and works in Santa Barbara and you can visit his amazing studio, full of artistic brilliance, in the world famous funk zone. 

EDUCATION
1976-79 University of California, Santa Barbara, CA - MFA Degree
1970-71 University of California, Santa Barbara, CA -BA Degree
1969-70 University of California, Irvine, CA - Undergraduate Studies
1967-68 Orange Coast Community College, Costa Mesa, CA - AA Degree

CREDENTIALS
1974 Community College Credential in Art - State of California
1972 Standard Secondary Teaching Credential - State of California
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

EXPERIENCE
1996-1999 Art Instructor
Santa Barbara City College
1994-96 Visiting Lecturer / Art Studio
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
1972-2015 Art Instructor
Santa Barbara County Schools, Santa Barbara, CA
1979 Visiting Instructor
University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
1975-77 Art Instructor
Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, CA