These are some peoples’ tributes and confirmations. Some are editorial comments. Many are reactions to the art pieces that they have purchased or commissioned from me. Some are responses to portraits specifically depicting themselves as subject matter. Others are the spin-off projects inspired by my art, often in an educational context.
TESTIMONIALS
“Leavitt succeeds in art’s most important function — to not only help us recognize and articulate our values, but participate in a dialog that validates them as well. At its best, art connects our best selves with each other, and he has done that… I’m grateful to artists who address the subject of ‘What is it about fighting and glorifying fighting and power, anyway?’ in a way that gets our minds thinking and lips moving.”
—– Polymer Clay Daily, May 2008
CARDBOARD SHOES
“By creating cardboard sculptures of some of the most popular models in footwear he is essentially riding the commercial train and exercising his meticulous craft of making these wearable cardboard replicas… he is smart to tap into the fanaticism because the demographic that would buy these may not usually buy a piece of art.”
—– Trendland, March 2009
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“I am making cardboard shoes with my students, using yor images for inspiration - the students LOVE them! … (the image to the right is) some of their homeworks from the start of the project – the brief was to make a 3D shoe from paper/card. As you can see, there were some really great attempts and we are building on this in class work.”
Gail Atkinson
United Kingdon
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“I’m an art teacher… very intrigued with your cardboard shoe work and have decided to use you as a contemporary artist to discuss with my eighth graders. I’m currently working on my Masters in Art Ed. and there is a big focus on incorporating contemporary artists into our curriculum. Your work was a perfect fit with my eighth grade class… I have never seen my students as interested in a project before. I don’t know if was connection to art being made currently or an interest in the subject matter, but they were really, really excited which made me excited. Students have to create a shoe, inspired by your work (using cardboard, paper towels, etc.). We are having a contest for the most wearable and the most aesthetically pleasing. I know they will be super excited to hear that the actual artist we are discussing is aware of their project and emailed me!”
“As promised, I wanted to show you some of the end results of the art project my eighth graders created. We had a fun time working on the projects and completed the project with a fashion show, judged by the other eighth grade class. Students were judged on being the most wearable and the most aesthetically pleasing. One student even made a costume to go along with his angel/devil shoes. Another made her gladiator sandals so realistically, she was able to wear them without detection!… once again my students had a wonderful time and I will definitely do the project again next year.”
Melissa Gumbs
Elwood, Illinois
CAKE TOPPERS
“”(Leavitt’s) custom work is just a little bit different than most. He makes action figures, and what is more action packed than a wedding? With a few simple design modifications, Mike turned his action figure style into one of a kind cake toppers.”
—– Handcrafted.com, May 2009
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“I wanted to write and send you some pictures of the cake topper from our wedding. Seriously, the cake topper was the hit of the night. We had an amazing wedding - the weather was awesome (good thing since everything was outside), the food was good… but nothing got people talking like the cake topper. Thank you.”
Gil & Rachel
New York
“Thanks for the amazing cake topper Mikey! We absolutely love it… best present EVER!”
Jackie & Tex
Seattle
“Mike! We love love love the figures. You rule so much. You really came through on all the subtle nuances. I have seen many of your figures online, and then a couple behind glass, but I think (and no I’m not biased) these are among your finest. The tattoos! The eyebrow! The Burgerman! G loves her dress and I love my “signature” hair. These are really, really brilliant and I can’t wait to blog about them. There is a Gorey theme to the wedding, lots of little bits here and there. Thanks again my friend.”
Jeremy & Greta
San Francisco
ACTION FIGURES
“The (Art Army) project is clearly aligned against the forces of imperialism and cultural suckiness, but Leavitt makes his points with a light touch, being too high-spirited and incorrigibly silly to get bogged down in another dreary leftist critique.”
—– David Stoesz, Seattle Weekly, Apr. 2003
“…Leavitt is currently causing quite a stir in the US with his Art Army… these are ART toys with a capital ‘A’.”
—– PIMP Magazine (UK), Nov. 2006
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THE REAL LIFE “ART ARMY” MEMBERS:
Jeremy Fish —– “i have to say thank you very much for including me in your list of really amazing dudes. i am familiar with your series and i am really honored to be included.”
Friends With You —– “This is the most genius thing I have seen!!! OMG!! THIS IS HOT!!! This really is the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Your show looks great too. Thank you”
Audrey Kawasaki —– “OH MY GOD!!!!!!! this is crazy!! i had no idea you were going to make a figure of me/mygirl!!! holycow!!!! sooooo amazing!!! thankyou so so much for creating this. those octo legs are sooo elegant and beautifully curved. amazing you are! thankyou! 
”
SEEN —– “JUST GOT TO SEE THE FIGURE……I LIKE IT, BRINGS ME BACK TO A NICE TIME AND PLACE…….”
Joe Ledbetter —– “Mike!!! I LOVE IT!!!! great resemblence!! it totally rules!! i think the clothing is waay cool, dig the booze bottle and the cartoony limbs!!!! see ya at the show!!!! THANX SO MUCH!!!!”
Luke Chueh —– “… all I can say is… uh… um… actually, i’m totally speachless. I am so flattered. Your sculpt is amazing. I am as flattered, as I am honored, as I am impressed by your inclusion of me in your artist sculpture series.”
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“Just wanted to tell you what a great hit the figure made. Everyone loved it. It came out fantastic. J was so surprised by the figure. He really liked it. Everyone at the party was very impressed by your work… Thank you so much for everything. The figure made it fine, nothing was broken. Once again, thanks for your effort in getting it to me by the party, and thanks for your wonderful work. I really appreciate everything you did.”
Linda Braet
New York
“What can i say, i’m speechless! The Ian Simms figure looks fantastic! You nailed it! I cannot tell you how happy i am right now since seeing the pictures! I knew it was going to be great, but it’s just perfect! And don’t think i didn’t notice the Andy Warhol/Velvet Underground banana underwear! That is the touch that really makes it, because it actually makes Ian a secretly hip dude. And we didn’t even ask for that! It adds multiple layers of depth to the character with a simple visual clue. Of course that’s one of the things you’re best at. Your attention to detail is astonishing… Please excuse the gushing, i cannot help it. Ever since the first minute i saw your work, i knew you were the guy for this project. I sincerely thank you for blowing away my expectations. I hope we can work together again in the future.”
Damon Welner, Probot Productions
Los Angeles
“We got Evo today and I just wanted to let you know how much I love him. I am really excited to have him around our house. He came through in good shape and he is stunning in person. You added so many little details that convey his personality, and the display case adds a lot, too. The transparency of the flag is a great touch. I want to thank you for taking on a pretty eccentric project with us. We have wanted to get one of your figures for a long time and I am glad we finally went for it. Thanks again, and keep in touch.”
Martin & Carolyn
Portland, OR
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“Hey mike! I am pretty much a fan of your work. I am from Lithuania. my name is Darius i’m 14 years old and i am an artist as well. i like to sculpt very much i am planning on sculpting action figures as well. thanks for reading!”
Darius
Lithuania
“Dear Mr.Leavitt, My name is Ben Foster I am 14 years old and I am in a high school ceramics class at PK Yonge in Gainesville, Florida. For a project we were told to make a powerpoint and a sculpture that is inspired from any famous artist throwout the world. I chose you because I like your figurines and I thought you would be a cool person to do a project on. You have a great talent in making art. If you have any other information that I can put into my project I will truly appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
Ben Foster
Florida
“Hello, I am an art teacher on longisland,NY and i am presenting an art lesson based on your figures. I am very excited about the process. I read all your notes and watched the videos. I will be sure to send pix of the kids work. Once they create a main character we will then begin to create a claymation movie. Thank you for sharing your talent.”
:) Joanna Osman
New York
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“I know it’s hard to believe, but my 9 yr. old grandson Chase is your biggest fan; he’s started doing sculpey movable pieces and is quite the aspiring artist… He is obsessed with his art — and he’s constantly experimenting with new techniques… he absolutely ADORES you and your work. Thanks for being you.”
Mark and Chase
Fort Worth, TX