“I am profoundly inspired by the abundant nature that surrounds me. Botanical forms emerge in my art as abstracted or semi-abstract shapes, blending vibrant colors, organic movement, and fluid forms that reflect the living world. Each piece is a visual synthesis of the natural beauty I experience daily”. —Michael Cutlip
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael Cutlip’s journey into art began later in life, despite early exposure to creative pursuits through his mother, a writer and musician with a passion for arts and crafts. In 2017, he and his family relocated from the dynamic cityscape of the Bay Area to the lush landscapes of Hawaiʻi. This shift reshaped his life—and, naturally, his art. In the city, work reflected urban grit: graffiti, torn street posters, and the relentless energy of a fast-paced environment. In Hawaiʻi, surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, his artistic voice evolved and now visitors to the Donkey Mill can feel that wonder of the natural world through Cutlip’s new mural installation, REFUGE.
I believe an artist’s truest expression is a reflection of their surroundings. After navigating the growing pains of change, I now find myself in a new chapter—one defined by harmony with the natural world and a fresh creative process. Life is not constant, and neither is art. My work is a testament to the ever-changing rhythms of life, shaped by where I’ve been and where I am now. I currently reside in Hōlualoa, Hawaiʻi, and continue to explore and evolve through the canvas. —Michael Cutlip
Cutlip’s work has been exhibited across the United States—from California to New York—as well as internationally in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe and has been acquired by numerous collections around the world. The Donkey Mill team is honored to feature one of Michael’s murals on campus and are grateful for his time and aloha in the mural’s creation. Mahalo nui loa!
For more information about Michael Cutlip, visit michaelcutlip.com and @michaelcutlip.