Michael Brzozowski is a studio-based artist residing in Detroit, Michigan. His creative practice focuses on understanding his natural surroundings using drawing and painting as research. He currently works as a Visual Art Educator in the Detroit Area while working on his MFA at Wayne State University.
Artist Statement
My creative practice revolves around the relationship humans have within their natural
surroundings. Pulling inspiration from my environment I am drawn to the vast waterways of the Great Lake region. My work culminates my diligent sketchbook practice - a singular image of various concepts and notions.
I draw inspiration from water's boundless and reflective nature—the solace and tranquility I experience viewing out into Lake Huron's horizon. My deep-rooted connection to the land summons remembrance of my past, subjects that become prominent in my work.
Painting on a large scale immerses one in the imagery, pushing you into the natural world.
Depicting ephemeral moments in the landscapes summons viewers to pause and examine
the natural beauty that we inhabit.
Motivated by the social, cultural, and political issues of water, I work to unite the divide between
human existence and our environment. The ingrained interconnectedness of humanity and
nature is prominent within my practice and highlights the impermanence of our natural world and ourselves.
The Salmon's Canvas
The Salmon is not like any other fish. While they dart and play, they prefer to watch the flowing currents. In the cool currents where the gentle and clear waters flow the Salmons eyes are transfixed on the swirling patterns of light and shadow. In a mindful way, one particular Salmon saw not just water, but a canvas waiting to be painted.
With a flick of his tail, this Salmon stirred the water, creating a ripple that spread outward. The colors danced and shifted, and he saw a story unfold. It was the tale of his journey, the long swim upstream to the place where he was born.
As this Salmon continued to paint, he felt a connection to the clear flowing waters. It was more than just a place; it was a living thing, a force that shaped his life. This Salmon realized that to understand himself, he must understand the water.
Days turned into weeks as Salmon painted. He experimented with different strokes, and different colors. He learned to control the currents, to create intricate patterns and bold designs. With each painting, he felt a little closer to the truth about himself.
When the Salmon felt ready, he began his journey upstream. The river was a wild and untamed place, filled with rapids and waterfalls. But this Salmon was prepared. He had learned to navigate the currents, to find the hidden paths that led to the headwaters.
As he swam, he remembered the paintings he had created. They were more than just art; they were a map of his journey. They had helped him to understand himself and the world around him.
Finally, this Salmon reached his destination. He had made it back to the place where he was born. As he swam through the familiar waters, he felt a sense of peace and belonging. He had found himself, not just in the river, but within himself.
CV
Michael Brzozowski
Detroit, MI
Education
2022-2025
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
MFA Candidate
2017-2019
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
M. Ed, Department of Education, Culture and Society
2006-2008
College for Creative Studies, Department of Art Education
Detroit, Michigan
Post Graduate degree in Visual Art Education
1999-2004
Northern Michigan University, School of Fine Arts
Marquette, Michigan
BFA, Illustration
Professional Experience
2021-2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Wayne State University, Detroit. MI
2023
Gallery Assistant
Wayne State University, Detroit. MI
2020-2021
K-12 Visual Art Teacher
Mio AuSable Schools, Mio. MI
2010-2020
Secondary Visual Art Teacher
Canyons School District, Sandy. UT
2012-2014
Elementary Visual Art Educator, Continuing Education
University of Utah, Salt Lake City. UT
Visual Art Opportunities
2024, The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
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Solo Show, (Urban Waters) Ramp Gallery
2024, PARC Art Gallery, Plymouth MI
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The Nature of Art
2024, Detroit Artist Market, Detroit MI
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January Featured Artist
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Group Show, Third Spaces of the Anthropocene: Art in-between the Human and Natural Worlds
2023, Detroit Motor City Brew Works, Detroit MI
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This week in Art, Solo Show
2023, Public Pool, Hamtramck MI
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Group Show, When Nature Calls
2023, Brushes with Cancer Group Show, Wayne State University, Community Gallery, Detroit. MI
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Using visual art as a bridge to connect with cancer survivors
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Developing creative partnerships in the cancer community
2023, Port Austin Artist in Resident. Bee Barn, Port Austin. MI
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Community Talk and Solo Show
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Developed my studio practice in painting and drawing landscapes
2023, Wayne State University Art Collection Internship. Detroit MI
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Archiving Detroit, Cass Corridor Artists correspondences.
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Learning The Museum Software (TMS) for the collection database
2021 Alta Community Enrichment, Alta UT
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Solo Show, supported by a community artist grant that helped produce 5 large paintings
2021 Art in the Loft, Alpena MI
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Group Show, Emerald