Meet Michael Leaf | International Fine Metal Artist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Leaf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what makes you happy? Why?
There are so many things that make me happy on different levels of being a human. Personally; achieving a goal, either short or long term, makes me happy. As a Father; watching my son grow and helping him in any way possible, makes me happy. As a Husband; seeing my wife as the incredible human and individual she is, as the mother of our child and her ability to help other’s, makes me happy. As a Professional Artist; creating artworks that provoke a plethora of emotions for other’s to experience, makes me happy. Writing the answer to this question, makes me happy. 🙂

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
SoCal: Please tell us more about your art. Michael Leaf: I am a self taught Fine Metal Artist . I strive to create never seen before out of the box pieces, as well as works that explain (without words) the simplest yet the most complexity of our human experience.

My works include: Wall Hangings, Sculptures, Furniture, major Commercial and Public Installations.

It’s extremely hard to explain what I do, better to see photos and best to experience in person (from what I’ve been told 🙂

SoCal: We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
Michael Leaf: Hard for me to say what sets me apart, I feel that that particular question is best answered by another human; as their perspectives can gauge two objects better than one object comparing itself outward.

As for what I am most excited about? I’d have to say life as a whole, being a Husband and Father, being a Professional Artist for almost 14 years now, having a healthy body to move my energy freely and the ability and drive to help and connect with others.

SoCal: How did you get to where you are today professionally?
Michael Leaf: Committing to my inner voice, believing in myself, working steady and diligently towards my goals and having the love and support of my family, my wife and friends has allowed me to achieve everything both personally and professionally.

SoCal: Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
Michael Leaf: I’ve learned, and am still learning, there will always be a plus and minus to life. An “easy” and “difficult” to all that is and ever will be. For me, realizing NOTHING WILL EVER REMAIN CONSTANT has been my greatest insight to deal with both the “highs of joy” and “lows of sadness”. Acknowledging this spectrum has allowed my ability to “overcome” any challenge both personally and professionally.

SoCal: What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Michael Leaf: Be kind. Breathe. Drink water.

SoCal: What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Michael Leaf: Thank you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Michael Leaf’s Golden Ticket.
If you know you know. 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Humanity as a whole and the Earth we all share deserve the utmost thanks. Regardless of our professions, our decisions, etc. we are all connected and in this journey of life together. We rely on one another to pursue our individual passions and interests to create the next: Athlete, Author, Artist, Plumber, Doctor, Electrician, etc. that help make our Society and World go round. I’d like to thank all of you for contributing to this journey we are in. At personal levels: Thank you Mom and Dad. Thank you Danny my brother. Thank you Stephanie my Wife and Canon my son. Thank you to every single person I’ve sold an art piece to. Your support has allowed me to keep going with something that I am more passionate about and with which I cannot fathom doing anything else. Thank you to every single human I’ve met on my journey of life, for the impact you’ve had on me both in my conscious and subconscious. Thank you Shoutout SoCal for allowing us to work together on this interview.

Website: www.michaelleafdesign.com

Instagram: @michaelleafdesign

Facebook: Michael Leaf