Works by
Michael Talbot
Following the initial release of the first Atlas graphic novel in 2017, "Atlas: The Art of Storytelling" as a showcase aims to pull back the curtain to reveal the process behind the production. Developed during Michael's residency at Street Theory Collective, this exhibit highlights pivotal moments where process, narrative, and world-building came together, culminating in over 10 exhibitions and showcases since and an ongoing storytelling collaboration with international artist, Richard Nattoo.
From inspiration, to inception, to ideation, artist Michael Talbot invites viewers to not just experience the story of Atlas, but to take a walk with him through Time to witness the actualization of a dream that grew beyond the pages, and shedding light on his particular Art of Storytelling.
This exhibit is open through June 30th, and the gallery hours are as follows:
Tuesdays: 12pm - 5pm
Thursdays: 12pm - 5pm
Saturdays: 2pm - 5pm
For sales and inquiries, please contact Michael Talbot directly at mikeytalbot@gmail.com or call/text (508) 948-5653.
*** Not For Sale ***
From ideation and inspiration came the birth of the story of Atlas. The sketchbook on display outlines the genesis of this concept that actively grew in to a graphic novel series. From character concepts, early story premises, anatomy and character personality studies, and a litany of additional world-building details that not just defined Book 1, but actively expands beyond the series itself.
The brown craft paper hung behind the concept sketchbook is the actual plan and thumbnail that was done for Book 1, complete with edits, reworks, and author/artist notes. Like most published books, not all the outlined pages or ideas made it into the final draft, but they are all still important to show the intent, progression, and development towards the final product
ATLAS: Fall From Grace (Book 1) - $20
ATLAS: Fall From Grace Collectors Bundle* - $500
*Contains 1 Limited Print, Numbered Special Edition copy of Book 1 + 1 original inked page from Book 1 + the corresponding pencil sketch page + 1 Golden Postcard Pack (only available throughout the duration of the showcase)
The first ever printed copy of the Atlas story was created as a teaser for the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (M.I.C.E.) back in 2016. Copies were made utilizing brown craft paper for the interior, hand written text, and a full color cover which was was later revised to match the black and white illustrations on the interior. Early in the process of working on the pages of the full book, a rough layout proof was printed to ensure the flow of the story matched my intent. Another test print was made once all the pages had been sketched/drawn, and then a final artist proof once all inked pages had been completed.
In aniticpation for this showcase, I revisited Book 1 yet again to create a Special Edition copy which features new front and back covers, yellow spot color throughout the entire book, along with additional concept art, model sheets, and sketchbook pages at the back of the book.
*** Not For Sale ***
Look again...
Inspired from a moment in the story when the Librarian makes a decision to look for the Time Guardian once more; he takes his glasses off and drops them — symbolic of the change in mindset and perspective of himself and the world around him... his now shattered view of the world made material.
- As seen in Fragility Part I -
Price: $2,500
A whispered prayer...
Powerful words of intent...
A gentle sigh...
Mother Nature bows her head in reverance.
Despite being one of the first character designs that was done, Mother Nature had not made an appearance in any of my works since the first exhibition back in 2019. Finally, in the fall of 2025, this piece — featuring an updated character design of Mother Nature — was created as part of a small series of works. They were later displayed in a group show centered on the appreciation of landscapes and nature, celebrating the life and works of Edward Mitchell Bannister.
- As seen in In Bannister's Footsteps -
Price: $2,500
The Librarian, now fully aware of the weight of his actions, approached young Atlas. Though she could not see his face nor hear his voice, somehow she knew this solemn figure sought forgiveness and redemption.
"I'm not sure who you are, nor what you've done... but I hope you find peace in Time."
And with that, the Librarian corrected the error of his ways that Atlas would soon come to bear.
- Following the events of the book "Atlas: Fall From Grace" -
Similar to the previous piece "Sublime", I realized I had not drawn the Librarian nor Atlas since my Fragility Showcase back in 2019, and this piece felt like my own reintroduction to the characters as well.
The title of the piece touches on the paradox of Time, where the depicted scene highlights the Librarian's fourth encounter with Atlas/Time, which coincidentally is Atlas' first encounter with the Librarian
- As seen in Conversations With Time -
*** Not For Sale ***
The piece that started it all... this was the very first appearance of who we now know as Atlas. Created during high school back in 2011 during an art session with Nattoo, this piece was initially meant just as an exploration in using watercolors and inks as a medium. I soon found myself going back and re-drawing the same image of the woman with flowing gray hair and a pocket watch; this quickly became a growing visual obsession. In an attempt to understand this new artistic muse, I eventually came to the conclusion that this woman was my representation of Time.
Standard Postcard Packs* - $20
Golden Postcard Packs* - $30
*Postcard packs contain 7 mini art-print postcards, 1 from each of my first 7 showcases (Fragility, Salvation, Warriors In The Garden, Fragments of Fragility and Salvation, I Am Not Your Judas, While We're Still Here, and More Than Acquaintances)
Following the release of ATLAS: Fall From Grace, I began having exhibitions and showcases as a means of continuing the story and world-building beyond the pages of the book. Challenged by Nattoo, I had my first showcase in 2019 (Fragility) which served as the wider public's introduction to the world and characters of the Atlas Series, and every showcase since has highlighted either a specific individual, theme, or concept from the series. The Salvation: Redux and Inner Wilds showcases were both directly inspired by Nattoo's characters and/or narrative elements, tying them into the broader Atlas story and world.
*** NOT FOR SALE ***
Included as part of his Salvation Series, Nattoo created a collection of paintings in 2020 centered on self-reflection and an inner journey of discovery and acceptance. These paintings were later consolidated into a picture book under the same title, inspiring my own production of the show Salvation: Redux.
- As seen in Richard Nattoo's Salvation Part I showcase -
Price: $5,000
- The Ballad of Life -
There once was a man who would wrestle the stars,
And bottle them up in tiny jars.
With these he then would craft and care;
The countless souls that Life holds dear.
-
And with each seed, he'd carefully plant
The same cosmic power he wished to grant.
And over time, this power grew
With every flower, to then a new.
-
As each one blossomed, a soul complete,
He'd watch her pick them from their flowery seat.
And finally standing face to face with Death,
Life simply smiles, and says "Well met."
- The Ballad of Death -
There once was a little girl
Who grew flowers from around the world.
And as they bloomed, each life consumed,
To release a beautiful pearl
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These pearls she held so tight,
She'd protect with all her might...
Then guide them home, among stars that shone
Into the beautiful night.
-
At home among her kin,
She noticed Life's little grin.
Death smiled as well, because she could tell
He'd care for her, and everything else within.
The official introduction of Life and Death into the world of Atlas (besides a minor appearance in the first Fragility Showcase), More Than Acquaintances explores the connection and relationship between these characters. Having pivotal roles within the upcoming Book 2, I felt it was necessary to bring them back into the forefront for viewers to get re-acquainted with.
- As seen in More Than Acquaintances -
- SOLD -
Whispers of what once were finally caught up to Time, and as she stood there with Life amidst the crescented eclipse, he looked at her and smiled.
"You've blossomed beautifully my child... Time has finally arrived for you. Go forth, beyond what any of us could ever hope to reach, to do the things than none of us could ever dream of accomplishing. The moment is here. It is now — you're Time."
The depicted scene was directly inspired by the previous piece, The Bellad Of Life And Death — however, instead of Life and Death being represented, we have Life and Time stationed in front of a crescent moon/eclipse. A recurring element within Nattoo's work and world, the crescent moon is often symbolic of fighting against erasure, not letting memories or stories fade out. This juxtaposition (another scene inspoired by the events of Book 2) hints at the establishing of Atlas taking on the mantle of Time Guardian, and in turn solidifying the permanence of Time
- As seen in Conversations With Time -
*** NOT FOR SALE ***
Created for his showcase back in 2014, these pieces were displayed as ancient, forgotten documents that outlined the secrets to everything within Existence, written in a forgotten yet familiar language. These visual elements would later influence and appear in multiple pieces created within the world of Atlas
- As seen in Richard Nattoo's Reverberations Of The Silent Echo showcase -
*** NOT FOR SALE ***
"There is a song in each of us — constructed with words of power, passion, reverence, and wonder.
As the light of our souls shine against the Absence, I encourage you to embrace those stories and songs... who you were, who you are, and who you wish to be — the cosmic language that defines our collective Existence."
One of the most direct implementations of Nattoo's visual language within my pieces, the reference and call-back to the pages of "The Odyssey" has monumental implications on what a soul/star/song/golden bead could symbolize within the pieces I create.
- As seen in More Than Acquaintances -
