Michael E. Voss
I am a painter, printmaker and draftsman based in the Waukegan, IL. My works have been widely exhibited nationally and collected internationally.
My work is inspired by nature, urban spaces’ scale and reflectivity, inner journeys, absurdities, and working people. I am also influenced by the old masters, the innovation of contemporary artists, and the realms of mythology and psychology.
I channel subconscious imagery from within, to shed light not only upon often-obscured beauty and truth, but also to challenge accepted falsehoods, injustices, intolerance, and inequity.
While I was formally trained in the sight/size realism technique, I thrive on experimentation, including building my own tools to help me execute new ideas.
I am a painter, printmaker and draftsman based in the Waukegan, IL. My works have been widely exhibited nationally and collected internationally.
My work is inspired by nature, urban spaces’ scale and reflectivity, inner journeys, absurdities, and working people. I am also influenced by the old masters, the innovation of contemporary artists, and the realms of mythology and psychology.
I channel subconscious imagery from within, to shed light not only upon often-obscured beauty and truth, but also to challenge accepted falsehoods, injustices, intolerance, and inequity.
While I was formally trained in the sight/size realism technique, I thrive on experimentation, including building my own tools to help me execute new ideas.
$4,170.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
45x45"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
In the Labyrinth series, I use large oil linocut multi-impression block prints to explore the intersecting and concentric lines that make up a maze.
These mazes represent the confusion and complexity of the modern world, where everything seems connected and interdependent.
At the same time, labyrinths symbolize the journey to self-discovery, which I also aim to capture in my work.
Through the use of tessellated patterns, I create a sense of continuity and interconnectedness in the pieces, inviting viewers to get lost in the details and discover new paths and perspectives.
My work also pays homage to my childhood memories of craft books filled with similar imagery, adding a nostalgic and personal touch to the series.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap, framing options available. 45" x 45" x 1.5" - 2023
$4,170.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
45x45"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
#3 in In the Labyrinth Series. I use large oil linocut multi-impression block prints to explore the intersecting and concentric lines that make up a maze. These mazes represent the confusion and complexity of the modern world, where everything seems connected and interdependent.
At the same time, labyrinths symbolize the journey to self-discovery, which I also aim to capture in my work. Through the use of tessellated patterns, I create a sense of continuity and interconnectedness in the pieces, inviting viewers to get lost in the details and discover new paths and perspectives.
My work also pays homage to my childhood memories of craft books filled with similar imagery, adding a nostalgic and personal touch to the series.
Display in any orientation.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap, framing options available. 45" x 45" x 1.5" - 2023
$4,170.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
45x45"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
This is part of the Labyrinth Series of large oil linocut multi-impression block prints, that explore the intersecting and concentric lines that make up a maze. These mazes represent the confusion and complexity of the modern world, where everything seems connected and interdependent.
At the same time, labyrinths symbolize the journey to self-discovery, which I also aim to capture in my work.
Through the use of tessellated patterns, I create a sense of continuity and interconnectedness, inviting viewers to get lost in the details and discover new paths and perspectives.
My work also pays homage to my childhood memories of craft books filled with similar imagery, adding a nostalgic and personal touch.
Display in any orientation.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap. 45" x 45" x 1.5" - 2023
$4,170.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
45x45"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
Through the use of tessellated patterns, I create a sense of continuity and interconnectedness in the pieces, inviting viewers to get lost in the details and discover new paths and perspectives. My work also pays homage to my childhood memories of craft books filled with similar imagery, adding a nostalgic and personal touch to the series. Numbered 1-12.
Display in any orientation.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap. Framing options available. Display in any orientation. 45" x 45" x 1.5" - 2023
$1,045.00
Oil on canvas (reclaimed redwood floating frame).
20x16x2"
Bull seal feigns sleep. Native species adapt to altered ecosystems in the wake of humanity. When animals find safety upon man-made structures, dependency builds as predation lags. Wildlife forages garbage for scraps of fast food leftovers, while habitat loss and extinction befall those less fortunate.
Sister piece to Astorian Bask.
Oil on canvas with reclaimed redwood floating frame. 16" x 20" - 2019
$1,045.00
Oil on canvas (floating redwood frame).
20x16x2"
Seals conduct senatorial proceedings on Astoria, Oregon shipping dock. Native species adapt to altered ecosystems in the wake of humanity. When animals find safety in man-made structures, dependency builds as predation lags. Wildlife forages garbage for scraps of fast food leftovers, while habitat loss and extinction befall those less fortunate.
Sister painting to Astorian Challenge.
Oil on canvas with reclaimed redwood floating frame. 16" x 20" - 2019
$3,895.00
Oil on canvas (framed).
32x22x2"
Oil on canvas with floating reclaimed redwood frame. 20" x 30" - 2012
The self confronts the self. My first completed composition of Jungian internal narrative and imagined subconscious landscapes.
$4,870.00
Oil on canvas (framed).
32x42x2"
Oil on canvas with reclaimed redwood floating frame. 30" x 40" - 2018
There is hope. Knowing no matter how cold, no matter the hardened, dormant Chicagoland conditions, love is available. Someone will close their eyes and hold you. You will close your eyes as you are held. Girl: Ill-fitting skate, ankle bracelet, teen in transition. Dog: angelic, furry, non-verbal.
$1,390.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on cotton fabric panel.
30x26"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
Oil multi-impression linocut on cotton fabric panel. Gallery wrap. 26" x 30" x 1.5" - 2023
This is a linocut block print that explores the intricate interplay of air ducts and impossible figures.
Using a new printing technique that emphasizes negative space and interconnections between block impressions, this expands on Escher's use of tessellation to create mesmerizing fractal universes.
A study in the stark beauty of underlying geometry, this piece celebrates the beauty that can be found in even the most mundane objects, inviting viewers to explore the hidden connections and patterns that exist all around us.
Display in any orientation.
$560.00
Hand-carved oil linocut block print on paper (framed).
22x22"
Limited edition 13 of 13.
Hand-carved oil linocut block print on paper. Reduction method consists of three colors and nine hand pulls per print.
Inspired by Escher's last block print before his death in 1969 as well as Chen Rong's twelfth-century dragon handscroll. Artist-signed, numbered and chopped.
$1,530.00
Oil over monotype, hand scroll paper. Mounted on bamboo scrolls top and bottom. Hahnnemühle Copperplate Bright paper.
16x49"
Oil over monotype, hand scroll paper. Mounted on bamboo scrolls top and bottom. Hahnnemühle Copperplate Bright paper. Signed and chopped. 16" x 48" - 2021
Oak tree seen in a Chicagoland forest preserve. Even though an invasive vine is beginning to take it over, it is still beautiful.
Monotype processes differ from artist to artist. I paint on a plexiglass plate, then use an etching press to transfer the image. Then I add extra contrast and color directly to the paper. Hence, oil over monotype.
Sister piece to Birch Trunk #1.
$6,950.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
72x72"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap. 72" x 72" x 1.5" - 2023
This piece explores the complexity of human identity and the fluidity of gender expression. Through interconnected semi-androgynous human forms, blurring the lines between traditional gender roles, it invites the viewer to question their own assumptions and celebrate the diversity of human experience.
It also embraces variety and change in art.
Display in any orientation.