How did you get your Artist name?

In a past life I was a YouTube star. During this time I owned mikedurkee.com. My name is Mike Durkee. So it made sense. Eventually I ended my YouTube channel and stopped paying for the domain. Years later I wanted to use it again but it was taken up by someone else. The craziest thing is that he is another artist. So that prompted me to think about considering a more fun name for myself and new direction with my art. A friend and fellow goofball came up with the name. It’s based off of Turkish Delights. Sweet and fun. That’s me.

How did you get into creating?

From the time I could hold a pencil I’ve been making art. I grew up hating school and would keep my sanity by making art. That’s basically it. I love making art and always have. I am very grateful for having made a career out of it.

How has creating changed your life?

Because I have done it for so long I don’t know if I can say that it has changed my life. What I can tell you is that it has made me a more mindful person. It has made me a happier person. As corny as it sounds: art is my therapy.

Where are you from?

I am originally from a small town in Massachusetts called Dudley. I currently live in Alton, New Hampshire.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

I always wanted more culture in my life. The town I grew up in was pretty boring. It was for that reason that I moved away for college and then traveled around the world after that. I crave culture and connection. I don’t understand how people stay in the town they grew up in. There is so much beauty out there in the world.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

Aside from going to art school and having truly incredible professors… I live and breathe art. I am constantly connecting with other artists and sharing knowledge and absorbing knowledge. The media that I consume is typically something I can learn from. Whether it’s painting tutorials or business tips on YouTube, I make it my business to constantly be learning.

What does your current setup look like?

My art studio is the entire downstairs of my home. I have a chill room. A work room. An office area and a bunch of fun little nooks and crannies full of inspiration. My studio is my oasis.

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

Anyone who is making their own way in life inspires me. People who are aware and acting on the idea that there is no set way to do things are the ones who inspire me.

What is your goal when you create? 

It all boils down to making myself and others happy. The act of art-making makes me happy. The art I make makes my clients happy. In Buddhism, they talk about how life is suffering. To combat that with art makes me feel like I have super powers.

Why do you create?: I create for my own mental health and to make other people happy. Also to feed my family. It puts food on the table. Hahaha.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

It Was a Good Day by Ice Cube. I have developed this ritual of listening to this song on the way home from painting murals. I can’t really relate to any of the words but it is just such a vibe. It’s sort of a celebration song for me.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

 I am going to travel the world and paint murals and spread love and kindness to everyone I meet. I am currently doing email marketing to different businesses all over the world. I have a few good things cooking up. Stay tuned for more!

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Nobody’s going to care about your dream. Do not expect help from anyone. Do it yourself. Manifest your future. Plan out the steps you need to fulfill your dream and do it. There are no rules. The only other option is dying with regrets.

Tell us about your most recent release

My most recent project was at a YWCA. I got to work with a bunch of kids to paint a mural. It was such a rewarding experience. The moment that stood out to me was when one of the kids turned to me while painting and said “I want to be an artist when I grow up”. I damn near cried when he said that. It’s moments like that that I realize how much power I have to inspire others.

Check it out here 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTQHHy5F9X0/?utm_medium=copy_link

Connect with Durkish Delights

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Facebook.com: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/Durkish-Delights-106108464118578/

Website: http://www.DurkishDelights.com

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