What Do Artists Think? Michael Istre
	My landscapes are drawn from a lifetime of experiencing them. The image is not a portrait as much as an impression left by the scene. That impressive moment is always a captivating surprise received with, and enhanced by, spontaneous gratitude.
	My chosen medium is ink, with which I paint images that reflect my environment and cultural roots. I'm partial to landscapes, because these flow from a life-long exposure to the unique beauty that is south Louisiana. The resulting paintings are in expected sizes, but they often inspire me to show them as miniatures. I'm also fascinated by bamboo and "plantscapes". I have no formal training, just a desire to do it. I hope my responses provide you with insight into my artistic effort and the motivation. 1.Can you teach someone to be an artist or is it an innate ability? One can teach anyone to draw to some degree...but, one cannot teach, or instill, the need to do so.   2. We are inundated with images to the point of visual ambivalence. How do you break through the complacency? ...by attempting to expand the definition and perception of beauty through creative efforts. 3.What do you try to communicate through your images? ... " the sight of a thought, once elusive, now plain....raises faith with fresh steps on the way home again." (the value of their own ability to see.) 4. How do you feel about artists who create images for shock value? ...disappointed. 5. Is there such a thing as a "perfect image"? Yes...curiosity in a child's eyes.