Michael Reuter (also known at Mr The Artist) is a local artist from Rocky Point, NY that repurposes old and used items including VHS tapes to make unique works of art. Reuter took the time to explain his creative process and share where you can see his art.
LIB: What inspired you to use VHS tapes for your art?
Reuter: Inspiration I feel is sometimes unexplainable. I do like trying to work with all different types of materials, especially items that are easily accessible. Unfortunately, we have become a very wasteful society so it feels good to find a way to repurpose old and used items to give them a new life. As for the specific thought of using VHS tapes to make into large posters, I believe came from another place; the “Click” or “Download” into the mind.
LIB: What’s your artistic process for creating your work?
Reuter: The process varies depending on the piece I work on, I tend to keep a long list of notes and drawings of ideas. Taking references from other artists, reading, and trying to find new perspectives in different subject matter. Then, physically building a piece, picking the correct materials, measuring, and color schemes. Putting all of this together can come to something amazing and sometimes ideas just don’t work out the way I think it will. I have some pieces that I think are finished then they sit on the shelf for a long time before I realize what I need to do to make the piece really complete.
LIB: What’s your favorite horror movie?
Reuter: I am a big fan of old 70s and 80s horror, B movies, and cult classics. One of my tops would definitely have to be John Carpenter’s “Halloween,” the iconic music, his framing and nuances within the film I believe are easily a cut above the rest.
LIB: Where is your art displayed?
Reuter: You can see some of my work at The Brewers Collective in Bay Shore, I have a 4ft. by 4ft. Ghostbusters painting there hanging up. You can also see a few of my VHS pieces hanging up at Necromantic Brew Co. in Farmingdale, a brewery with an all horror theme. Please check out both breweries, they are run by some amazing people.
LIB: What’s your favorite piece that you’ve created?
Reuter: I really enjoy working with spray paint and it can easily be compromised with too much of one color, the wrong angle, the distance of the spray, and the canister clogging. So when I end up with a spray that I really think comes out well, it instantly becomes my favorite piece. The “Dawn of the Dead” and the “I Want To Believe” VHS pieces are my best spray jobs to date.
What’s next for Mr. The Artist?
Reuter: I’m hoping to work with more collaborators, breweries, and galleries. I also do toy photography and build dioramas that I use for the photos. I also used to do a lot of writing, mostly screenplays which I would love to get back into and hopefully work with some local filmmakers.
Show Mr The Artist some local love by purchasing a piece by messaging him on Instagram @MRtheArtist or by emailing him at MRtheArtist@gmail.com.
