Mike Tabor

@MikeTaborStudio

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About

Mike Tabor is one of the nation's most respected western expressionist artists. Tabor began his formal art training at Tarleton State University. Upon graduating, Tabor spent the next 12 years ranching in the central Texas area before beginning a successful teaching career at Granbury High School lasting some 30 years. He went on to head up the Fine Arts Department at Granbury ISD. After years of juggling teaching and an art career he was now able to pursue his art passion as a full-time endeavor. Tabor works include paintings, assemblages, and sculptures. He has worked in public spaces creating murals, paintings as well as life size sculptures. His paintings have been described as postmodern western. With a personal preference for the western genre, his subject matter as of late has been concerned with commissioned driven projects primarily public art works. Tabor’s paintings show a concern for layers of textural depth and his use of light and color has led to intense emotional interpretations. While sculpting has allowed him a 3-dimensional approach to communicating a feeling or idea. Working with a 360-degree view presents a concept that intrigues the development of not only the physical but the cerebral process. Tabor says about public works. “Public art is a great way to merge the feeling of space into an artistic representation.” The challenge becomes not only the art but the way it occupies its surroundings and the visceral feeling it brings to the viewer. Tabor comes from a working family. Whether ranching, construction or creating art he finds great satisfaction in the concept of creating the work and has no plans to stop.

Artist Statement

Mike Tabor-Artist Statement My artistic journey is driven by a desire to expand my techniques beyond literal representations, creating visual statements through varied elements. By broadening creative interpretations, I explore solutions in innovative ways. My paintings are influenced by the Pop Art movement, particularly Andy Warhol and Peter Max. Their use of layered light, color intensity, and line values shaped my approach, fostering an open perception of the world. In my figurative work, I began with a sensitive romanticism that gradually transitioned into an expressionistic representation. Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt’s interpretation of color harmonies, mood, and design has been an invaluable influence in shaping my approach to color and form. I integrate assemblage elements with textured paintings, employing experimental techniques to convey emotions beyond traditional representation. The addition of text enhances depth and engagement. These works are rooted in experimental applications, where I strive to express emotions and ideas without relying on traditional representations. Sculpture has become a vital extension of my voice—an art form that challenges and expands the way I express ideas. Working in three dimensions requires a 360-degree perspective, blending physical construction with intellectual depth. Each piece I create is a dialogue between form, space, and meaning. Movement plays a crucial role in my work. I aim to evoke visceral responses—inviting viewers to not only observe but to engage emotionally and intellectually. Whether I’m working in traditional or abstract modes, I approach each sculpture with careful attention to placement, materials, and context. Above all, I prioritize the story or concept the client wishes to convey. My goal is to translate their vision into a powerful sculptural experience—one that resonates long after the viewer walks away. With over forty years as a working artist, I have produced paintings, sculptures, assemblages, and public works across private and public sectors. Notable clients include John Hancock, Wood Logan Financial, Four Sixes Ranch, and Tarleton State University, where I created two monumental sculptures. Other projects include a life-sized two-man sculpture for the Boston Marathon, a 13-foot abstract sculpture for Meals on Wheels of North Texas, an 18-foot painting for Waco Regional Airport, and an 8-foot-tall, four-sided mural for the Tarrant Regional Water District. Most recently, I sculpted a life-size figure of Adrian Beltre for the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field, set for installation in August. Public art is a dynamic and fulfilling aspect of my career, serving as a tool for learning, community connection, and shared experience. It extends beyond aesthetics, fostering a sense of belonging. By making public art accessible, I create spaces for reflection and gathering. I pride myself on delivering projects on time and within budget, whether local or out of state, from modest projects to commissions exceeding $300,000. My commitment to collaboration and strong communication ensures that each piece aligns with the client’s vision. I believe the success of any project lies in teamwork, dedication, and the ability to merge artistic vision with structural feasibility.