EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - AART

BWW speaks to Mikey, an AARTIST from New Zealand about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe performance.

For the minority out there who don't count themselves amongst your fans, could you explain who you are and what you hope to achieve through 'AART'.

I'm Mikey, an AARTIST from New Zealand and I'm here to spread the word about AART. I think minorities are great even if they don't get what Aart's abart. AART can be whatever you want it to be, it's a metaphor, but also real, a bit like; 'your dreams can come true' 'time is money' 'we're all going to die' 'AART has been an amazing journey for me so far, but in many ways - like the workshop participants I'm looking forward to meeting in August - this is JUST THE START.

Who or what are your greatest inspirations in your life and work?

Growing up underneath a Volcano can be very moving, particularly during earthquakes. I grew up in a little town called Fukkatoto, it was mainly sheep and the odd scared little dog. I think my work accurately reflects that.

Do you find it difficult managing all the attention you get as one of New Zealand's leading artists?

I find a lot of things difficult, though managing attention has got a bit easier since they diagnosed me with ADH...this coffee's delicious.

Do you ever feel any pressure to be 'Mikey'?

I feel all sorts of pressures, in different parts of my body, especially when under ground. I mean, what is pressure? I've felt all sorts of pressures in my life - the pressure to fail (love you Dad) the pressure to NOT be the person I want to be, the pressure to stop creating.....they all spur me on to keep searching. Life's a long road, sometimes there won't be any services with snacks for ages, sometimes a few come at once. Stuff all your pockets full I reckon and just kick the snakes out the way.

There was the time my friends were all chanting 'Mikey, Mikey, Mikey' encouraging me to leap off a rock. Luckily there were some sheep to soften the landing. So they hung me upside down from a tree instead. Rolling inside a barrel towards water wasn't a great time to be Mikey. To me these are just emotions which I can channel and use to create. That's what my philosophy is all about - just getting it out, however you can, whatever way up you are.

How would you define the 'mind pie' and should we all try to taste it more often?

Mikey's Mind Pie is a special gift from me to the world. Everyone who attends one of my workshops gets their very own Mind Pie, and it tastes delicious and last forever. You can't squash it even if you had it in your back pocket and sat down too quick.

Timings and ticket information for AART are available on the edfringe website.

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