Art is always on Mike Rohner’s mind. Rohner, who recently finished a show at Hoboken’s Park Pastries, is preparing to unveil a selection of his colorful oil on canvas pieces at Maxwell’s at 1039 Washington St. Rohner has painted dozens pieces on landscapes, from portraits of musicians like Bob Marley and the Black Crowes to tropical settings to animals like sharks and monkeys. We recently talked to Rohner about his art.
EM – How did you get started in art?
MR – I’ve always had an interest in drawing from a young age. I was the kid in high school and college who did caricatures of all the teachers during class. I took my first painting class in college and really started painting as a hobby after I graduated from Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania in 1994. I graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in business management. I have since taken a few classes at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, while working from my personal studio to help grow as an artist. I’m constantly looking for ways to become a better artist. I’ve always received great support from my family and friends, for which I am extremely thankful.
EM – What is your opinion of the art scene in Hoboken?
MR – The town does a great job of helping local artists display and share their art with the community, whether it’s from local art festivals, studio tours, or private businesses that display original art work. I also believe that Hoboken’s lively atmosphere and close proximity to New York City help make it a conducive environment to creating new art. Although I have lived in Hoboken for about seven years now, I am just beginning to display my work around town and in New York City. And I am finding out how helpful the town and private businesses can be in getting artwork to the public.
EM – How would you describe your work?
MR – Most of my paintings are oil on canvas and done from photographs I have taken. Whether those photos are from vacation spots around the world, New York City, or personal pictures; I try to accentuate the parts of the image I find most appealing to the viewer. I think a somewhat surreal style is used to describe my work. Realism is something I try not to get too involved with as I believe it takes away from the personal and unique style of my paintings at times. Bold colors and/or brush strokes are often applied to the canvas to create strong moods in my works. In the recent past I have done paintings from Europe to tropical destinations like the Dominican Republic. These works were done primarily with the intent of creating an image that is pleasing to the eye. I also look to expand on stronger themes and meanings in my future works that complement the visual appeal. Examples of this can already be seen in some of my most recent works. I
recently completed a painting of a local fisherman in the Dominican Republic who is holding his catch of fish in one hand and spear gun in the other, while surrounded by wild green foliage. The smile on his face was as genuine as any I have ever encountered. The painting is titled "Self Employed." I think anyone can or wants to relate to the feeling of happiness achieved from doing what one truly loves to do. I tried to convey this feeling in the painting. From one respect, I hope for someone to appreciate the painting for its bold colors and imagery. And from a deeper respect, I hope for that person to have an even deeper appreciation of the painting for what message is behind it, regardless of how complex or simple that message is.
After Sept. 11, I’ve done a few pieces that relate to that day. Having lost my youngest brother Scott [in the World Trade Center], along with several friends, I’ve felt a need to try to memorialize the people we lost and what that day meant to our country and the world in some of my works. I designed a T-shirt to help raise money for the Hoboken Sept. 11 Memorial Fund and have created a few paintings relating to that day. I’m thankful to be able to contribute towards memorializing the people of Sept. 11 through my artwork.
EM – What are your professional plans for the near future?
MR – In the future I wish for my artwork to contain strong personal themes and to be seen as thoroughly unique in content and style, while creating artwork that is pleasing to the eye. I will continue to work hard at becoming the best artist I can become. Right now I am currently hanging some paintings and silkscreen prints at Hoboken Gourmet Company and The Goldhawk in Hoboken. I will be showing my work at Maxwell’s starting Jan. 4 for a month. Many of my paintings can be purchased as limited edition prints. These are high quality prints on canvas which are duplicates of the originals and can be purchased for a fraction of the price.
For more information on Rohner visit www.monkey-art.com. He may be reached at mikerohner@hotmail.com. q