Michael James Cisarik is an emerging and self-taught abstract painter living and working in Houston, Texas, USA.
He is best known for his large-scale abstract paintings focusing on color blocks and subdued or muted natural tones with energetic brushstrokes, meticulously placed contrasting accents and gritty textures.
Cisarik started painting recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since he is working in a “9:5” corporate job, he paints either at night- or on the weekends. In under two years, he has established both recognition and high demand for his work, selling almost 200 paintings to clients and designers across the U.S.
He originally began painting with acrylic paints as a medium but has since evolved his techniques, taking on the usage of plaster, adhesives, oils, pastels, and charcoal into his work.
Artist Statement:
“While I tell myself that I make each individual stroke intentional, planned and unique, I don’t know how they’ll interact at the end – and in a way I can’t ever seem to describe, I never know when I am done until it suddenly hits me. Pieces can take me weeks to finish at a time, depending on my vision, which usually morphs as more elements are added; however, when complete, the colors, textures, and brushstrokes produce a flurry of emotions that are different in every light. Happiness, sadness, peace, hope, longing, frustration…these emotions and feelings act as subconscious guides in my creative process and are embedded into the work once complete. Finishing a painting is truly unlike any accomplishment I’ve ever had. I realized through my experience with all of this, that artists literally pour their feelings onto a canvas for someone else, many times for someone they don’t know at all, to produce intimate emotions that they had inside of themselves. It is the purest and rawest form of communication that exists.”
Showcase of his works (courtesy of the artist):
“Karma And I Have A Vibe Like That”, 2022.
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal on canvas – 48 x 60 in, unframed.
A not-so-subtle nod to one of Taylor Swift’s new releases, “Karma”, this song resonated with me for many reasons but primarily, the bubbly “told you so” energy centered upon Taylor holding good karma while bad karma tracks all her enemies down. The details and colors in this piece align with an extensive and exhaustive number of concepts and items within her lyrics (i.e. street sweepers, honey, thunder, hunter, cats, careful steps, etc.).
“Mastermind Deconstruct”, 2022.
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal on canvas – 48 x 60 in, unframed.
“Mastermind Deconstruct” represents a deconstructed view of the scattered thoughts and processes we go through; however, the soft and subtle color palette suggests innocence and purity in our intentions as we attempt, in good faith and intention, to experience the best life for ourselves and others around us.
“Dream Cartier”, 2022.
Acrylic, oil, pastel, charcoal, and graphite on canvas – 36 x 36 in, unframed.
“Dream Cartier” represents the complex and constantly wavering subconscious many of us experience while dreaming – one side pure and tranquil and the other restless and spinning. Further, a candid nod to the French luxury brand, Cartier, by the use of the blue sapphire often found in the brands’ coveted watches and high jewelry, alluding to the passage of time and materialism.
“Our Path Forward”, 2022.
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal pencil on canvas – 24 x 36 in, unframed.
“Our Path Forward” is a minimalistic and warm piece, highlighting various neutral color palettes among scattered, jagged textures and accents. The piece is intended to represent one’s path throughout life (symbolized by the seemingly “step stones” in the lower panel of the piece) among the chaos and unavoidable distractions, temptations, and emotions one will face along the way. We have realized through the fact of living life, that these aspects and confrontations must occur, regardless of one’s situation; however, note that the steps are placed comfortably distant from the “madness”. Does this imply that one’s path has already been chosen? Or perhaps that one’s path will prevail and re-align with one’s subconsciousness, regardless of the confrontations that one could face?
“When You Look At Me”, 2022.
Acrylic, oil, pastel, graphite, and charcoal pencil on canvas – 24 x 36 in, unframed.
“When You Look At Me” (Acrylic, oil, charcoal pencil, graphite, and pastel on canvas; 24x36x1.5″) is a minimalistic yet bold work, incorporating a solid rich “hovering” block of deep blue scattered with neutral accents and undertones. This piece attempts to capture raw emotions that one feels when connecting with someone they care about. Rich pops of cool and warm colors among spontaneous charcoal and graphite marks attempt to provoke serotonin and contentment.
Visit www.michaeljamescisarik.com to view an extensive portfolio, available work, and connect on social media platforms (Instagram: @MichaelJamesCisarik).
artCollective Magazine 