In Memoriam: MICHAEL VAN DYKE
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In Memoriam: Michael Van Dyke
Michael began his professional journey as a graphic designer and later advanced into roles as a training manager and continuous improvement analyst with Gannett, a major newspaper publisher best known locally for the Des Moines Register and USA Today. His passion for improving work culture and efficiency took him across the country and even to India, where he left a positive impact on colleagues and teams far beyond his hometown.
A working artist for over 25 years, MVD amassed a versatile style, learning many different disciplines along the way. Though focused on furniture as an undergrad, learning and expanding skills were a constant. An acrylic painter, MVD found inspiration from many painters, mostly in the abstract realm. Going from Abstract Expressionism to Conceptual Art, early studies of drafting and graphic design have molded the paintings and practice from expression to more controlled.
For 8 years, MVD created a yearly calendar that he then screen-printed. This series started as a creative challenge for the classroom that was never done, so he did it himself. Those calendars became keepsakes and collector’s items.
MVD has done video work on occasion, but usually, they are created for a group art show. As an example for the “Lost City” show in 2014, multiple video projects were created to not only document a unique show but also to envision a restoring future as well.
For all of the other projects, Light Painting was MVD’s favorite, as where the acrylic painting may have become more controlled and planned out, but with the light painting, it has become the form of expression. Originally started as a more social project, MVD’s light painting became a solo project through the pandemic. With a DIY approach to creating lights for motion, the long exposure format has allowed MVD to experiment and react physically to new locations.
Michael faced many challenges with courage and determination. One lesson from his father — the simple advice to always “T-R-Y” — stayed with him throughout his life. Though cancer ultimately took his life, it never defeated his spirit. He remained a light to others, investing in people, listening deeply, and walking alongside them through their darkest moments.
