Smirking Tiger Michael Treat Makes Many Types of Art Happen with Ink, Acrylic, Mixed Metals, and Words

By Sharon Parker

Michael Treat—aka Smirking Tiger—is a multifaceted visual artist who works in a variety of media. His recent work includes ink wash paintings, acrylic paintings, upcycled jewelry, cuff bracelets, and original comic art zines.

He is returning for his third LoLa art crawl and will be showing at Fireroast Cafe, 3800 37th Ave. S., along with his wife, Brenda Peterson (Mellow Fury), who was featured on our blog last month.

What inspires/informs your art?

I’m inspired by controversial ideas, bold emotions and the need to produce a tangible result from the things I envision and see in the world. “Art happens” is a phrase I’ve heard for a long time. While that is true, in my case art happens after much thought and investigation goes into the subject I’m portraying.

Why did you join LoLa?

I wanted to have a chance to get to know the other artists in the community so that we all have the opportunity to learn from each other.

Are you doing anything special for Lola?

My current series of ink wash cityscape paintings will be on display during the month of August at Fireroast Cafe.

At this year's LoLa Art Crawl, I'll have the following on display and for sale: my series of ink wash cityscapes (originals, prints and cards), mixed metal cuff bracelets and my current zine series entitled My F-Ed Up Apartment Building: An American Memoir of Low-Rent Housing.

During the crawl, Fireroast will have air conditioning, ice cream and art from multiple LoLa artists. Who could ask for more?

See Michael’s page on the Zine Wiki, and see more of his work in his Etsy shop, Smirking Tiger. 

And, in case you don't get enough of Michael during LoLa: on September 27 & 28, join Smirking Tiger at the Maple Grove (Minnesota) Government Center for the Skyline Art Crawl.