clawhammer press

There are times when artists’ roles in our community, and in our society, feels a bit insignificant. The curse of our sensitive personalities is that we tend to see things that need changing—coupled with the curse of the desire to want to improve, grow and share what we learn—means there is a constant tension in our lives between what is, and what we think could be. As I stand at the easel, I’m often thinking about why I’m painting. What good is another mountain scene when there is war in Ukraine? How can I make things that help shift ideas and perspectives? How can I make my art relevant to the climate crisis?

Legend has it that after producing the breakthrough hit album The Joshua Tree for Irish rockers U2, Daniel Lanoise purchased a mansion in LA and instead of filling it with furniture and art, he left it sparsely decorated—almost ascetic.

While some enjoy revisiting old memories for the good feelings they bring, Michael has made a career of setting up residence in the past and making a living there. Clawhammer Press is a business quite literally built on a foundation of nostalgia.