Michael Lewis’ Apple Tree Gang, painted in 1992, depicts a community of homeless people who lived in Victoria from the 1960s to the 1990s.   Members of the Apple Tree Gang faced a difficult life full of struggle, but they were rich in the relationships they shared with each other. Among one another they felt accepted and supported. They lived between the Janion building and the Johnson Street Bridge. In this painting, Michael Lewis captured their camaraderie and friendship.

Michael Lewis was born in 1947 and raised in Las Vegas Nevada. After attending the Dixie College in St. George Utah, Lewis immigrated to Canada in 1969. Lewis has been interested in producing art since he was a small child, colouring cartoons from the Sunday paper. A self-taught artist, Lewis began painting seriously as a way to cope with working in Victoria’s emergency shelter.  Some of his artistic influences include George Grosz, William Gropper, Edward Burra and Sue Coe. Recently, Lewis has also published a book of art and poetry titled Mongo.

Written by Katie Lemmon

To watch an interview with Michael Lewis and view more of his work, click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lPzxRl2O

Michael Lewis, “Untitled: Apple Tree Gang,” acrylic on canvas, 1992,