Bejeweled by Michael Staley - Art Gallery Opening

Join us on Thursday, January 29th, from 5:30-7 pm at the SF LGBT Center for our newest gallery opening featuring artist Michael Staley and a deep dive conversation between Staley and our Director of Cultural Programs, Timothy Hampton.

About Michael Staley

Born in Fremont California in 1967. After spending time in southern California as an adult I moved to San Francisco in 1987. Shortly thereafter I was inspired by a jewelry box in a boutique. It was so beautiful I thought that I could create something similar. I did! My first piece is called "Inspiration". It is in the Bejeweled Boxes section of this site. From there I would create boxes for friends and family as gifts. I discovered that my work required focused concentration. I am very passionate about my work. I usually work on several bodies of work concurrently. At times I can have up to four works in process at once. It’s exciting to have variety in what I do. I’m never without something to work on. I discovered the art of doing mosaics a few years ago. I was challenged by a mosiaisist by the name of Sharon Von Senden. She is famous for doing a large mosaic on the first floor of the St Louis Missouri City Museum. She encouraged me to step out of my symmetric comfort zone and reach as an artist. After a few attempts I was inspired to create “Hand In The Flame”.

Life inspires my work. Art is all around us if we just open our eyes.

My works have grown in complexity throughout the years. I was also inspired by a British artist, Damien Hirst. He created a diamond encrusted human skull worth one hundred million dollars. I created something similar and using Swarovski crystals instead of diamonds. I call it "Adamas". This led to the development of the Swarovski crystal covered bull skull.

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