Michael Grab: Rock Balancing Artist on Making the Impossible Possible

Michael Grab is one of the world’s premier rock balancing artists.  He has created rock art all over the world and has inspired a global movement for stone balancing art. 

Summary

In this conversation, Michael Grab, a renowned rock balancing artist, shares insights into his creative process, the philosophy behind his art, and the technical aspects of balancing rocks. He discusses how he finds inspiration in nature, the evolution of his hobby into a professional pursuit, and the meditative state he enters while creating his sculptures. The conversation also touches on the ephemeral nature of his work, emphasizing the beauty in its temporary existence.

In this conversation, Michael Grab discusses his journey as a rock balancing artist, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of his work and the meticulous process of capturing it through photography and film. He reflects on the transition from a conventional job to pursuing his passion full-time, driven by a desire for creative fulfillment. Grab shares insights on self-competition and the personal standards he sets for his art, ultimately defining excellence as the ability to inspire himself through his creations.

Takeaways 

·         His creative process is organic, often allowing the rocks to dictate the final arrangement.

·         He finds inspiration in nature and specific locations that resonate with him.

·         Rock balancing started as a hobby influenced by a psychedelic experience.

·         The art form is highly technical, requiring a deep understanding of gravity and balance.

·         Michael practices for hours, often pushing his limits to create more complex structures.

·         He experiences a flow state while working, feeling deeply connected to the environment.

·         The process of balancing rocks is meditative and exists solely in the present moment.

·         Michael embraces the ephemeral nature of his art, often dismantling structures after photographing them.

·         He believes that the journey of mastery in rock balancing is ongoing and never truly finished.

·         He doesn’t set strict standards but rather focuses on the process and his growth.