modern vandalism with mike han
The second feature in the Detroit mini series is artist Mike Han.
When i was thinking about trying to connect with people outside of Ohio, Laura Naples suggested I try to meet up with Mike if I decided to head up to Michigan. She had been an admirer of his work through social media, and soon enough, i was too.
I think we can all relate to the endless pursuit of a balanced life, I know I can. Maybe it has become especially important in this pandemic era, where we are all recognizing our burnout and questioning if our 9-5’s are fulfilling.
Detailed in our dialogue below, Mike finds truth and balance in various art forms such as graffiti, design and sushi.
After perusing your Instagram, it’s clear that you are a Jack of all Trades. Talk about the various art forms that shape your identity and pique your curiosity.
I make things to find out more about who I am. My process of creating (sushi or art) has helped me uncover what matters most to me, and the person I want to become. Living and creating are very deeply connected for me, and it’s caused a lot of hardship, but I’m compelled to figure out how to become my truest self; balance and happiness.
Your artwork is influenced by Korean calligraphy, graffiti, and modern design. Can you tell me how these three elements create your point of view?
I was lucky enough to experience graffiti and great design at a very young age. New York was my first city, and I’ve always seemed to love written language, drawing characters, modern and minimal aesthetics. Sushi played a big part in my draw to minimalism, and visiting Korea as an adult and watching a master calligrapher paint live was especially impactful to my career.
“I feel like I’ve been an artist my whole life, I just never had the confidence to make it my only source of income. But when I had nothing to lose, it was strangely a practical decision.”
Talk about your experience with graffiti art. Do you have a separate Graffiti tag name? Who are some of your favorite graffiti artists?
I used to go by ICON. It was a nickname I got in high school, cause when you say “Mike Han” really fast, it sounds like “icon”. The word also had an interesting duality. I used the definition of icon as: a visual or graphic representation whose form suggests its meaning. I also hated using that name, because most people think of icons as people like Michael Jackson, or Michael Jordan, and I never wanted to claim to be larger than life.
I only wrote a little bit, cause I had gotten in trouble a few times and because I didn’t like how graffiti was often at odds with architecture. As soon as it became a felony in Detroit I stopped altogether.
That last question is kinda tricky to answer because people think about graffiti and graffiti art nowadays as street art. All the graffiti writers I follow are all fine artists now, and I don’t really keep up with the new kids getting up.
You have a pretty extensive list of clients that you’ve worked with, who is a dream client for you?
I really want to work with Ford. I’m a big fan of the Mach-E and the direction the company is headed. They’re so important to our city, and the automotive industry has helped my father, grandfather, and uncle build their businesses.
What are some similarities between being a sushi chef and artist? How do you intersect both worlds?
Minimalism, brushstroke and knife-stroke. The way in which I cut fish for nigiri or sashimi is always with one stroke which is what I strive for in each brushstroke. The quality of a single stroke can be powerful and beautiful. Intention, confidence, and emotion are also expressed through these actions. I find that my interest in connecting place with materials and ingredients are also an intersection of both worlds.
Pre-Covid, you had plans on opening up an eight-seat sustainable omakase sushi. How were you able to pivot and find solace with your art?
My pivot was more like jumping off a cliff. I was unemployed for six months, received a residential commission out of the blue which paid for rent in December. I didn’t know how to pay rent in January, so I decided out of necessity, to go all in with my artwork and put the same energy into it as I have into sushi over the past decade.
I feel like I’ve been an artist my whole life, I just never had the confidence to make it my only source of income. But when I had nothing to lose, it was strangely a practical decision.
Your father used to work for furniture designer Herman Miller. How have you drawn inspiration from this in your home?
Well, I love MCM furniture. I love timeless design. My one bedroom apartment is mostly a hodgepodge of IKEA stuff, some salvaged furniture, and my treasured custom Eames rocking chair which the company made for me when I was born. One day, when I’m financially in a better place, my living and working space will be more thoughtfully designed and not all crammed into 660 sq. ft.
“The quality of a single stroke can be powerful and beautiful. Intention, confidence, and emotion are also expressed through these actions.”
How does your interior design aesthetic influence your work?
I’m really scrappy right now. I’m doing what I can with what I have. My workspace is maybe 200 sq. ft, and I got a lot of that space by giving away half of my sectional couch to a neighbor. I’ve had to paint a 5x5’ painting and four 3x4’ paintings in my space. Things get messy really fast and I’m still trying to figure out how to work and live in my apartment.
What books are currently on your coffee table?
Clarity and Connection by Yung Pueblo.
Absurd Thinking by Allan Wexler.
A couple Korean Art and Craft books.
What are some personal non-negotiables when it comes to maintaining your own sense of wellness and balance?
I don’t have those yet. I really want them, and need them. But it’s definitely been a struggle for me my entire life to create space for my personal wellness and balance. I tend to put my work and other peoples’ needs ahead of my own, which is why trying to achieve balance is so important to me. Building good habits is really a struggle for me as I’m not someone who has routines.
What are some of your favorite cities to travel to? What kind of inspiration do they provide for your work?
Seoul, Jeju, Osaka, and Kyoto were all amazing, but I’ve only been once. I definitely want to go back and also visit Tokyo. NYC always holds a special place in my heart.
Korea, Japan, and NYC are an endless source of inspiration and opportunity for my personal growth, but at the same time, Detroit is home and will always be my favorite city in the world.
Tell me about the song or album you could play forever on repeat.
I’m terrible with music, names of songs and all that. Not sure if I’d play anything forever on repeat, but my anthem for this year has been Options by NF.
What advice would you give someone who has to pivot from one career to another?
Do it with all that you have. I’m finding some success now in part because of my relentless work ethic. I’ve failed a lot in the past decade, and I cannot afford to fail this time. “I gotta make it or make it, these are the options.”
