All Eyes On: Michael James Cisarik

Biography

Michael James Cisarik is an emerging and self-taught abstract painter living and working in Houston, Texas, USA. Cisarik 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. Early in his career and new to the industry, Cisarik taught himself how to paint during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Cisarik works 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. Cisarik 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.

Portrait of Michael James Cisarik. Courtesy of the artist

Visit www.michaeljamescisarik.com to view an extensive portfolio, available work,
and connect on social media platforms (Instagram: @MichaelJamesCisarik)

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.

Karma And I Have A Vibe Like That, 2022
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal on canvas, 48 x 60 in, unframed
Courtesy of the artist.

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” 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.

Mastermind Deconstruct, 2022
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal on canvas, 48 x 60 in, unframed
Courtesy of the artist

Blue Rain, 2022
Acrylic and oil on canvas, 48 x 60 in, unframed
Courtesy of the artist

“Blue Rain” was inspired by a recent visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This painting attempts to capture the unique neutral tones of the city, specific to the atmosphere, smells, and sights, following a rain fall.

“Venice” is an interesting piece for me – in particular, the blunt use of a red palette. However, it just worked. While I say blunt, it’s not abrasive and ironically, complements the surrounding neutral undertones and accents rather than commanding attention. The small pop of sky blue (the only cold aspect to the piece) appears larger than it is and helps balance out the vast palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and even the slightly opaque olive green. “Venice” is not only the water but also the greater landscape, soft pink mimicking waves cascading against the warm Italian colors of the city.

Venice, 2022
Acrylic and oil on canvas, 48 x 60 in, unframed
Courtesy of the artist

The Good Side of You, 2022
Acrylic, oil, pastel, and charcoal pencil on canvas, 24 x 36 in, unframed
Courtesy of the artist

“The Good Side of You” seems almost turbulent, mimicking a calm landscape paired with a stormy sky and wind, represented by moody shades of gray and dramatic and prominent circular charcoal movements. The piece is intended to capture the irony of both the good and bad of people – each of these “minds” must coexist together yet stay forever in conflict.

Get in touch
with Michael

www.michaeljamescisarik.com
Instagram: @MichaelJamesCisarik

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