Feeding the Fire

For most artists, our passion is actually born in another. We see something or someone for the first time and it creates a spark deep inside our soul that we've never felt before. Suddenly we begin having ideas, dreams, designs, now we see the world in a completely different light. For me that person was Mike Lavallee.

I do not remember the very first time I ever saw him paint, but my earliest memory was on the TV show Monster Garage, he had a 2 Minute time-lapse spread of airbrushing a Hurst and it was mind blowing. I was not an airbrush artist at the time, was not even considering that as a career option. I was going to college and getting my certification in medical billing. (More on that in another blog). It would be years later than I would run across him again.

After settling down and having my second child, I needed to expand on my "art hobby" to maintain my sanity. Painting the occasional mailbox, and wood cutout, I wanted to make art that really fed my inner creative. Living in a small back wood hunting town, there was an easy access to cow, bull, and elk skulls. I began painting them but not in a traditional cliché chic style, I wanted to bring the hotrod, custom car styling into another medium. Thanks to the wonders that had become Social Media I was quickly able to find and connect with many fantastic artist including Mike.

Mike had begun a series of live airbrushing feeds on his Facebook called Open Mike Night. I tuned in every week when I could, sometimes having my phone on the table to watch his feed while eating dinner. His styling, his colors, his textures in everything he painted was amazing. I wanted to learn as much as I could. The friendships that came from his show, a relatively small group from all around the world became regulars on his feed. We joked, commented, and just thoroughly enjoyed each others company in a digital sense.

Mike already had an amazing career with multiple TV appearances before I ever known what an airbrush was. Sign painting, art school, sketching, has was so incredibly talented in so many mediums. Listening to his stories was so inspiring, he related to so many of us and was genuinely involved and cared about a lot of people. Didn't matter if you were a celebrity, life long friend, or some nobody from some small nowhere town. He was there to advise, and share his knowledge and experience.

Fall of 2017 Mike announces the reboot of Monster Bash. A private event, held at his shop with some of the best artist in the world. He had held the Monster Bash many times before and took a Hiatus from it for a while. 2017 he decided it was time once again. These events are the who's who of the art world and the only way to attend was with a personal invitation from Mike himself. One night after one of his OMN feeds, I heard the ding of Facebook messenger. It was Mike asking if I'm going to be attending the Monster Bash. Me, obviously extremely confused asked, "Did you mean to message me? I think you messaged the wrong Amanda" ... "Call me" he says.

"There is more to the Monster Bash than just being a good Artist" Mike told me. "Character of a person means more than any skill could, I know some amazing Artists who will never be invited here because they are assholes". "I think you have potential and could learn a lot from this event and will appreciate it for what it means". I am still shook to this day, I never in a million years thought I'd get to see Mikes shop much less be invited to the Monster Bash not only in 2017 but again in 2018.

Arriving at his shop in little Snohomish Washington, I remember walking up to him trying my best not to geek out. He welcomed me with a hug and gave me the tour, he told me "Just be yourself and be ready to absorb everything". I could feel my brain as a dry little sponge soaking up every sight and sound for the next three days.

It was there that I was able to meet all these friends that had been made through the OMN (Open Mike Night) feeds in person for the first time! From Norway, New Zealand, Germany, Canada and all across the US. We all descended on Killer Paint and had a killer time.

I was nervous, I was afraid to paint surrounded by so many great artists, I knew my skill was amateur at best, and I was so worried they would laugh at me, asking themselves who invited this girl? Well known and accredited artists sat all around me, Eddie Harris, Rod Fuchs, Ed Hubbs, Jen Mayberry, Roger Tyson, John Frankel, Terry Stephens and so many more. I did not belong among so many elites and was so far out of my element, but I wanted to be there. I wanted to prove I deserved to be there and wasn't a waste of space.

After drinking a beer or two to calm my nerves, I sat down at my station in a corner. I had brought with me some home made stencils and a cheap knock off Airbrush I had bought off Ebay for a whopping $30. As I painted, I listened to every single conversation I could, often getting up and walking around to watch the pros. I saw techniques I had never used before, stencil designs I'd never seen. Vividly I remember painting the face of my bat panel and telling myself repeatedly "I have to prove myself, I have to prove myself, I have to prove that I am worthy of being here".

By day two, most of the fear had worn off, and the rest of the painters were nothing but welcoming, often coming by and giving their helpful advice and insight. Showing examples and demonstrations.

I left the Monster Bash, feeling so full and inspired in a way I could never have imagined. I knew I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of this new family for a long time to come. I felt my life had purpose. I realized there was much much more I could do and become. My journey to one day owning my own shop and painting customs for a living had officially begun.

Naturally as soon as I got home I immediately got to work trying to find ways to further my craft. Learn all I could about the spray guns, airbrushes, types of paint, techniques, online how to's and classes. Enter the Airbrush Rendezvous. I discovered some of the artists that I had met including Mike taught multi day classes all across the country. Naturally Mikes was first on my list. Seven months later I drove to California to learn from the master directly. Once again seeing familiar faces from the Monster Bash, both as teachers and as students.

It was a wonderful weekend in California going to classes, after parties and lunches with Mike. Some of my favorite memories with him, sitting at hole in the wall diners, listening to his stories (often repeated) and never getting tired of it. He was always gracious in sharing his time with me. He always made me feel included and valued. And was honest to a fault. If I asked for his critique he would give it without the sugar coat. The classes were expensive as was the trip itself, but the information learned and memories created were priceless.

I would be lucky enough to see him in Washington for two Monster Bashes, California for two Airbrush Rendezvous, and in Vegas for Three SEMA Shows. Ultimately getting to see his Mercury "Dead Sled" on display, it would be the last time I ever saw him. Through the time I knew him, we shared laughs, frustrations, even emotional moments together. He guided me not only as an artist but as a person and a business woman. We would send funny pictures and memes on Facebook, I would call him with paint questions and stresses. I didn't know him as long as some, but I am blessed that I was able to know him at all. He saw something in me I didn't see in myself. He passed away a week before I was able to tell him about opening my own shop. I never got to show him what I had achieved. I hope he can see it now...

Many artists of his generation were very much stuck in their ways. Many refusing to share their secrets claiming if anyone wanted to know how, they had to learn the hard way just as they had. Mike was not one of them. If someone had discovered a fantastic idea, refused to share it and took it to the grave, it would die with them lost forever. Mikes legacy is lived on every single day through all of us artists who knew him, learned from him, and were inspired by him. His name will never be forgotten as we all will carry his torch and pass his lessons onto the next. His legacy is forever and his fire burns eternal. ~ In loving Memory of Mike Lavallee 5/30/1959 - 4/14/2020