Florida Artists Group

Artists Bio:

Born in 1957, James Michael Nemnich presently resides in Indialantic, Florida and has so since 1963.  Being a longtime Floridian, his local environment has heavily influenced his unique artistic style.

Evolving from his close proximity to the ocean, Mike’s work reflects his many travels throughout the world.  Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico and Europe are a few of the destinations visited.

Mike was a major influence during the pioneering days of commercial surfboard manufacturing (1975-1992),  Many of his contemporary design techniques are still in use today and are considered "industry standard”.  Having painted over 30,000 surfboards Mike remains one of the most prolific artists within the surf world. He was inducted in 2014 to the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame, for his contributions to the sport.

In the 1980s Mike designed textile and placement prints for the sportswear industry. Several major surf wear and textile companies adopted Mike’s graphic and artistic designs to be extensively used in their product lines.  One of his hand painted fabric art designs was featured in the 1988 swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated. 

Mike has exhibiting his fine art at outdoor art shows throughout the USA since 1990. He worked in the medium of printmaking from 1990-2018. This body of work consisted of colographs and monoprints. He has been working in oil pastels and mixed media since 2006, developing his own unique original style within these mediums.

Mike continues to travel to many destinations to find inspiration for his fine art. His artwork is in many private and corporate collections.  He has received many awards for his work.  His pieces have been displayed in gallery and museum shows.  He was invited to exhibit at the Yokohoma International Open Air Art Fair 2009 and 2011.  He has also had a gallery showing at the B-Gallery in Tokyo, Japan in 2010.  Today Mike’s artistic endeavors remain dedicated to developing his creative imaginative style.


Artist Statement:

Raised on Florida’s east central coast, I have used my travels throughout the world as a source of inspiration in my art. My work is a reflection of the world around us. I want my pieces to communicate an ambient landscape through the use of color, movement and rhythm. I strive to achieve this desired effect by the execution of multiple layers that are added and subtracted until the image is complete.


Exhibitions:

Brevard Art Center & Museum, Water Media National Invitational Exhibition, Melbourne, 
Florida, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, Spirit Surf Solo Exhibition, Melbourne, Florida
Brevard Art Center & Museum, 5th Avenue 30 years Anniversary Show
Brevard Art Center & Museum, 2006 The Art of Surf Culture Exhibition
Brevard Art Center & Museum, 2008 Juried Exhibit 
B-Gallery, Tokyo, Japan in 2010
Foosaner Museum of Art, 2015 Solo Exhibit

Awards:

Award of Merit, Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa, FL 2017 
Award of Merit, Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa, FL 2016
Award of Distinction, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park FL 2015 
Award of Excellence, The Plaza Art Fair, KC, MO 2014
Award of Distinction, Mainsail Arts Festival, St. Petersburg, FL 2014 
Best of Show 2D, Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, Gainesville, FL 2014 
Induction into the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Orlando, FL 2014 
Merit Award, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO 2013
Best of 2D, Artworks Eau Gallie Art Festival, Melbourne, FL 2012 
Award of Distinction, Naples National Art Festival, Naples FL 2012

Collections:

Walt Disney World Corporation
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois
Aspect Energy LLC
Epic Systems Corporation
Radisson Resorts Hotel Cape Canaveral
Brevard Museum of Art & Science
Baugher Properties
Carlton Fields P.A.
Crosby Marketing