Our next Startup Drinks event is coming up on July 22, the very eve of TEDxFargo! Join us at the Prairie Den as we welcome hundreds of guests and speaker to Fargo for our biggest event of the year. We’ll be at the Prairie Den with drinks, food, music, all that good stuff. We’ll also have our wonderful Captains at the event, folks who’ve been doing cool stuff in our community – from creating local art to developing a child’s prosthetic arm.
Today we’re getting to know Michael Strand, associate professor and department head of visual art at North Dakota State University. Strand is currently working on a project that illuminates how the field of ceramics is connected to food culture and community. His work has been published internationally, and he has a distinct passion for enhancing cross-cultural communication, extending from his home state of North Dakota to international locations such as Brazil, China, South Africa and Europe.
Stand is also a past TEDxFargo speaker, where he presented on “The Spaces between Art, Craft, and Humanity.” Now, without further ado, Mr. Michael Strand.
Michael “Pickle” Strand
Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it?
My sister has a nickname for me. “Pickle”
Any awkward tattoos? Please describe in detail.
I am NEARLY ready to get a tattoo!
If you could describe your startup as an animal what animal would it be?
If my artistic practice is a startup then it is a Long Haired German shepherd – tenacious, energetic, broad, loyal to those around and super sweet on the inside.
What is one of the most influential books you’ve ever read?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Read within the context of school and talked through with a progressive, awesome mother, this book created a foundation for understanding the world and my place within it.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
San Joao del Rei, Brazil. To visit friends, make work and be within a culture of amazing hospitality and warmth.
What is one of the coolest places you’ve traveled?
Tallinn, Estonia. A historical city, within a country with just over 25 years of freedom. It is still celebrating!
Thanks for sharing, Michael! See you all at Startup Drinks.
