Michael is the embodiment of a modern renaissance man, with a career that spans decades and defies categorization. From fronting raw, unfiltered rock bands like Hell’s Kitchen NYC and Flat Black Automatic to landing roles on HBO’s How to Make It in America and Showtime’s Ray Donovan, Michael’s artistic footprint is as dynamic as it is diverse.
His talents have led him down countless creative avenues—singer-songwriter, producer, filmmaker, cinematographer—and most recently, painter. Despite this remarkable versatility, music has always been Michael’s first love. As a professional musician since the mid-1980s, his voice has been a steady force echoing through underground scenes and stages alike.
In recent years, life threw Michael an unexpected curveball. Health challenges, including visual impairment caused by high blood pressure and a vaccine injury, threatened to slow his artistic pursuits. But Michael’s spirit is relentless. Painting emerged as a new frontier for his creativity—one where he channels raw emotion and impressionistic energy onto the canvas. His oil paintings pulse with the same grit and authenticity that have defined his music and acting.
From the streets of New York City to the big screen and now the gallery, Michael’s journey is one of transformation and resilience. His work—whether through sound, film, or brushstrokes—tells stories of passion, struggle, and rebirth. As he continues to break boundaries and redefine his artistry, Michael stands as a living testament to the power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Stay tuned for a glimpse of his evocative paintings, each piece a reflection of his extraordinary journey.
Author Info:
Max E. Guttman
Max E. Guttman is the owner of Mindful Living LCSW, PLLC, a private mental health practice in Yonkers, New York.
