Mitch Vicieux
Illustrator / comic artist / graphic novelist
“You can be inspired by anything. Distinctions between “high” or “low” art, craft, hobby, or “fine art” do not serve us. I grab everything that sparks my interest and run with it.”
Artist Bio
Mitch Vicieux (they, them, their) is a queer cartoonist from southern Maryland who is currently based in Columbus, OH. Their work focuses on the multi-modal potential of comic arts, and how caricaturized forms relate to the trans body. Vicieux earned an MFA in art and technology from The Ohio State University and a BA in digital media from St. Mary's College of Maryland. Investigating global cartooning practices, Vicieux completed an animation intensive at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy, and researched popular culture at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki, Japan. In Columbus, They co-founded the Columbus Cartoon Coalition. Vicieux is part of GCAC’s 2023 Navigator team and has received a GCAC individual artist grant.
Artist Links
Artist Gallery
Artist Q & A
What do you love about your art and/or art-making process?
This is a hard one ‘cause I have A LOT of love to dole out, especially surrounding artmaking. I love the bold, clean lines of my artwork—this was something I never thought I could do until I started imitating the style of my partner’s comic work. The greatest love though, is the opportunities my practice has offered me. I’ve been able to meet people and see things I’d never been able to before, and the communities centered around artmaking are the most joyous in the world.
How do you recharge and or refine your artistic process?
Media, media, MEDIA! Following where my interest wanders is always fruitful. My current practice centers two seemingly disparate subjects that in no way intersect with cartoons: whittling and American religious history. You can be inspired by anything. Distinctions between “high” or “low” art, craft, hobby, or “fine art” do not serve us. I grab everything that sparks my interest and run with it.
How long have you been making art and what is the most important thing you have learned about yourself along the way?
A serious interest in art developed in that sweet tweenage era where I eagerly drew my self-insert characters for every animation, comic book, and YA novel I loved. Until recently, I kept all those drawings to contemplate the imagination and passion of this journey. But recently I’ve learned to let go: reject preciousness, just keep making. For too long introspection ruled my practice, and now I thrive by living in the moment and extracting joy from the present.
What’s the best advice you have been given?
Apply for everything. Say yes to as much as you can manage. If you qualify for at least 30% of an application, go for it. Even if you don’t “get the thing”, you’re putting your name out there and getting more eyes on your work. You never know what might lead to your next callback.
Does the Columbus arts scene impact your art making? If so, how?
The funding, support, and excitement from the Columbus community is astounding. Coming from the DC/Baltimore area, it was incredibly difficult to fight for the increasingly small pie of funding offered to practicing artists. I never take for granted how blessed we are as artists in Columbus: there is always a grant, zine, or open call to apply for, and many opportunities to get your foot in the door. Columbus’s art scene rivals that of cities twice its size, and I’m always eager to participate in anything I can.