Southern Pennsylvania based artist Michael W. Dugger has been exploring his artistic narrative through the intentional manipulation of surface by meticulously layering and mechanically removing layers to reveal his surfaces. His professional work as a firefighter and paramedic for almost 20 years informs his painting in the subject of trauma and how “We” as a community interface with traumatic events, and how we either get stopped by them or gracefully move through them.

Michael refers to much of his work as “reduction painting” a technique that he has created that is both constructive as well as destructive in creation, but formational in its purpose. This “push and pull” concept of imagery leads the viewer on a journey through his work and subject matter, not only to explore themselves but to deeply internalize on a personal level. Michaels work is designed to be engaged, loved and hated at the same time.

Narrative is the intention. The end goal of Michael’s process is like seeing a lone billboard in decay, multiple torn layers and ghost like remnants. It tells a story, It shows a beauty, it evokes a response.