On the Wire

'On the Wire,' Acrylic and Alkyd on Canvas, by Paul Micich

This acrylic and alkyd canvas painting by Paul Micich features a large ethereal clown figure in white against a blue sky balancing a paper airplane on the tip of his nose. The work is part of his 'Paper Airplane' series. The artist states that he thought about "my father’s hands when I did this painting. I forced the perspective, wanting to get closer, to find out more. Not my father’s face, but like his face. Not my face, either. But like me."

"I have recurring dreams from time to time about music performances. I’m backstage and I can’t find an opening in the curtain as the orchestra begins. I’m onstage and the orchestra starts, but I have no music in front of me.

what suit today?
the red buttons?
the bit of blood?
we’re on now…
NOW!"

Micich is an Iowa based artist and illustrator. His work has earned him Gold and Silver awards from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. His work has also been chosen for inclusion in illustration annuals for Communication Arts magazine, The Society of Illustrators (New York) and Spectrum International Annual for Fantastic Art.

His illustrated edition of the book, "The Littlest Angel," has sold over 1.4 million copies. His illustrated book, "She Taught Me to Eat Artichokes," by Mary Kay Shanley, has been a regional best-seller. Micich illustrated "The Memory Box" and "Rhythm of the Seasons," also picture books with stories written by Mary Kay Shanley.

Micich’s band, WORLD PORT, plays his original “world-view” instrumental music. They have five CDs. Micich has performed throughout the Midwest and the nation, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. WORLD PORT has played for art festivals in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, California and Washington State.