My Story

I'm Mike Arnone, also known as Big Mike, and my journey as an artist has been a remarkable one, shaped by personal struggles, artistic passions, and triumphant moments. As a young introverted gay kid, I found solace and escape in sketching, drawing cars, and painting. It was during this time that my fascination with Mid-Century style, complex geometric concepts, and abstract, cubist, and impressionist artists began to take root.

My dreams were big—I aspired to become either an artist
or a famous auto designer. However, my path took an unexpected turn when, at 17, my father disowned me for being gay, leaving me to face the world alone and battle the emotional wounds that accompanied such rejection.
It was a difficult period, but I was fortunate to have my biggest cheerleader by my side—my mom. Throughout my life, she remained my best friend, teaching me the value of kindness and resilience, and encouraging me never to give up on my dreams. With unwavering determination, countless hours of hard work, and a lot of financial aid, I eventually achieved what seemed impossible—I earned both Fine Arts and Graphic Communications degrees from Cal State University Fullerton.

Over time, I created my own chosen family, living communally in Venice Beach for two decades alongside my fellow artists and closest friends. It was a transformative period where I found solace and healing through meditation, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of glorious pink-orange sunrises and sunsets—a spiritual awakening that nourished my soul.

Fate brought me together with my partner, Dana, and together we made the decision to embark on a new chapter of our lives in Palm Springs. The eccentric history, breathtaking architecture, and captivating natural beauty
of the desert immediately ignited my creative inspiration.
It became the backdrop for my abstract painting series
—a fusion of all my life experiences intertwined with the sublime modern style of
my stunning desert home. Through a torrent of smudges, swirls, whips, and hatches,
I reimagine the Mid-Century vibe, infusing it with sacred geometric worlds.

I'm just at the beginning of my artistic journey, and I invite you to join me
on this thrilling ride. Through my paintings, I celebrate the richness of emotions, the adventures, and the personal growth that have shaped my existence. Let the convergence of my life's narrative and the mesmerizing allure of my desert surroundings transport you to a realm where vibrant abstraction and cherished memories intertwine. Together, let us embark on this extraordinary artistic odyssey.

Welcome to my world.

—Mike Arnone, also known as Big Mike