Michael Fife, the self-taught artist known as “The Dotman,” showcased his artwork at an open gallery event Thursday, Jan. 9, at the West Edge Factory in Huntington, West Virginia.
The exhibit shared Fife’s abstract pieces. Each piece is created using felt-tip pens and reflects his resilience following a life-altering experience over two decades ago. Fife’s work, noted for its distinct style, uses a dotting technique.
“I’ve been doing art all my life now,” Fife said. “After what happened to me – when I was growing up, I came up with my own style of art.”
Fife, who was the victim of a senseless act of violence over two decades ago, said it was during his time of healing he began experimenting with felt-tip pens, developing a technique that would become his signature style.
Due to the incident in 2001, Fife suffers from brain damage, impeded speech and vision and limited use of his legs and left side.
Visitors of the exhibit gathered around pieces, discussing his impressive technique while also having the opportunity to get to know Fife.
The gallery featured a range of Fife’s work, primarily Sharpie-based pieces but also acrylic paintings and blacklight-reactive art.
“When I first started, it was like scribble; it was horrible,” Fife said. “I came up with my own idea, though, from scribbles to shapes. Triangles, circles, boxes and dots.” Over time, his technique matured and is one he admits he’s always practicing at.
Fife says he always strives for his best work, disclosing that he’s a perfectionist in his craft.
“Perfection, yeah,” he said with a laugh. “I never get it, but I’m still working.”
Fife’s artistic process is time-consuming, with some of his more detailed pieces taking hours to complete.
“I work on three or four different pieces of art at the same time,” Fife said when sharing how he maintains his dedication.
Fife’s gallery at the West Edge Factory is a tribute to his healing. His story is told through the evolution of his artwork, which he coined, “The Resilience of the Dotman.”
Bethany Jarrell can be contacted at [email protected]
