Book examines the reasons for making art

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – March 23, 2015) A new book by a California Lutheran University professor examines why people make art.

“Art in the Age of Emergence” by Michael J. Pearce, an associate professor of art, is slated for release from Cambridge Scholars Press on March 26.

The book draws on philosophy, spirituality and neuroscience to examine why people have created art from the earliest days of history to today. Pearce explains the processes that occur in the human mind when people share their ideas through art. An outspoken proponent of representational art, the Thousand Oaks resident goes on to discuss why art portraying recognizable people, places and objects matters and thrives today.

Pearce began teaching painting and drawing at Cal Lutheran part time in 2001 and became a full-time faculty member in 2005. As the curator of the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture, Pearce has brought the works of many well-known artists to campus in addition to featuring students and faculty members. In 2012, he founded The Representational Art Conference with another faculty member. About 400 artists, critics, academics, collectors and curators attended last year’s international conference.

Although he is primarily a figurative painter, Pearce also has experience as an installation and theatrical scenic designer. His works are in the collections of individuals including Andrew Getty, Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Lynch as well as The Casey Werner Company, San Fernando Valley Historical Society and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Originally from England, Pearce earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartington College of Arts. He holds a Master of Fine Art degree in scenic design from the University of Southern California and a doctorate from Plymouth University in England. His dissertation was on using Neolithic British ritual art and architecture as a model for making contemporary art. His research interests also include alchemy, Renaissance symbolism and mysticism. He writes for Combustus Magazine and is a fellow of the Society of Antiquarians of Scotland.