The fine art of Michael Washer is an ever-changing technical and emotional discovery. His early works were signposts, markers of the most personal parts of his life, both joyful and painful. Over the years, he developed his voice, with very colorful and detailed imagery, as well as an exploration of textures, paper and three-dimensionality. Most of his pieces are rooted in Scriptures and are inspired by influences as wide as Rubens to VanGogh, to the constructions of Duchamp and the modern sculptures of Baskin and Noguchi.

JUDGMENT (WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY) 1984 Bronze, purpleheart. 14x14x18

        

These beautiful pieces, of which every single shape is made of cut or torn paper, are based on the ancient art of papercut, but add built-up three-dimensional areas and bands of color. Beautifully framed in a paper-covered poplar shadowbox, or upholstered suede, Papercut-structions range in price between $700 and $5,000.  Most reflect themes of music, dance, Judaism, praise, family and natural themes.

His passion for the look and feel of papers grew, and at the suggestion of his wife, he began to create small paper pieces where the paper appeared in three-dimensional layers, and Papercut-structions were soon born.

His work has evolved over the years, but has always been based on a strong sense of composition. Early paintings were oil pieces, but he soon began to add natural substances like tea, sand and seeds, and then handmade papers.

FINAL HARVEST   1999 Oil 18x24

UP TO ZION  2001-2002  Paper, rusted lead 48X64

THE ALEPH TREE   2000  30X40  Paper, pencil, acrylic, oil.

FAMILY GARDEN   2000  Paper, sand  18X24

HALLAL 1        1996  36x48

TIRED IN HESHVAN   1999 Oil, tea, sand, seeds,  24x38

       

                                   

     2002   32x42  Oil, Paper, Wrapped Vines           2002-2003   42x54  Oil, Paper, Wrapped Vines, Brown paper, Glue        2003-2004   34x48  Oil, Brown Paper, Glue
TREES OF THE FIELD WILL CLAP THEIR HANDS                 CYPRESS FOR THORNS-MYRTLE FOR THISTLE                         WORD BECAME FLESH 3  (Close-up)
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HALLAL 5              1995    22X28  with suede frame
         MAN IN THE FIG TREE  42x54  2001-2002  Oil, paper, thread wrapped vines.

 

This developed into a new form of painting called "Oil-Constructions". Many of them with thread-wrapped twigs, these compositions also break the flat plane to create swirling expressions. To further force the piece dramatically outward, sculptural areas of brown paper bag and glue have been incorporated to create sculptural paintings of drama, natural beauty and spirituality. Prices for Oil-Constructions vary widely, from $500.00 to $10,000.00 Call for prices, pictures and commissions.

        

The three-dimensionality of Papercut-structions grew, and soon mixed with Michael Washer's paintings in beautiful mixed media pieces, incorporating paper, oil, his skill and draftsmanship in pencil and other media.

Collection of Robert & Shirley Washer
Collection of Linda Waite
         Collection of Susan Gonzalez                                  Collection of Elizabeth Steinberg