Stinky Robot is the professional moniker of Kansas City-based artist Michael Smail. A lifelong creative, Michael has been immersed in the world of art since childhood. He was mentored by his grandfather, Gary Hawk—a renowned rural, western, and wildlife artist from Iola, Kansas. Michael spent his early years in his grandfather’s art studio, learning to draw, or tagging along to art shows and helping to attract crowds to watch a live painting demo. During high school, he took a work-study class and officially became an apprentice to Gary Hawk, a pivotal moment that cemented his passion for art.

Michael went on to study fine art at the University of Kansas and graphic design at Johnson County Community College. His artistic persona, Stinky Robot, emerged from a long-running joke: his last name “Smail” is often mispronounced as “Smell,” and paired with his fascination for painting robots, the nickname stuck—and became his brand identity.

Michael's work leans heavily into portraiture, depicting human-like robots that explore themes of identity, emotion, and our evolving relationship between technology and nature. These mechanical figures are stand-ins for modern humanities obsessions with their own creations—expressing subtle emotions and unique personalities. Juxtaposed with animals and natural elements, his art seeks to highlight the delicate balance between technological advancement and the raw beauty of the natural world.

Working primarily with acrylic on wood panels, Michael creates a surreal interpretation of contemporary life—where circuits meet bone, and machines find meaning. His work invites viewers to pause and reflect on where we’re headed, and what we might leave behind.