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.
$450.00
Oil monotype on Hahnemuhle Copperplate paper from ball peen-broken plexiglass with embossed artist chop.
15.50x22"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
Doorway man pauses for reflection.
Sister piece to Silhouette Secret, Doorway Man Approaches, Incarcerator and Free Range Prison.
$3,480.00
Oil on canvas.
24x30"
Oil on canvas. Gallery wrap. 30" x 24" x 1.5" - 2023
Who's a good boy? Make Mommy proud!
An absurdist, playful commentary on the pressure that can motivate parents and children to compete and succeed, and the idea that children are proxies for their parents' unachieved goals, viewing kids as "pets" to be trained and used for the vicarious success of the parents.
Through my paintings, I explore themes of competition, identity, and the emotional toll that this pressure can take on both parents and children.
$4,170.00
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel.
45x45"
Limited edition 1 of 1.
Oil multi-impression linocut on polyester fabric panel. Gallery wrap, framing options available. 45" x 45" x 1.5" - 2023
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, 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.
$3,340.00
Oil on canvas (framed).
26x30x2"
Young woman at the DePaul Chicago EL-stop. Escape to perceived freedom.
Part of the Urban Canyons Series.
Oil on canvas with floating reclaimed redwood frame. 24" x 28" - 2018