Sir Michael W. Surber

I'm Sir Michael Surber, a fluid media artist inspired by the emotions, sights, and sounds of the world around me, creating abstract pop art pieces that invoke both wonder and emotions.

Growing up, I was always very creative and drawn to art. While kids were making turkeys by tracing their hands, I was gluing envelopes together to make puppets. At 14 I had a representative from an out of state art college telling my parents that “His work is so good, I can market it and sell it now”. By the time I was in High School, I was on such good terms with my Art teacher, she would let me stay in the art room during lunch so I could create and try new mediums. Painting was my least favorite at that time. I wouldn't fall in love with painting until almost 20 years later.

I draw inspiration for my artwork from just about anything and everything. A song I hear that sparks a colorful emotion, the vibrant tones I find in the things around me like a sunset or a skyline, even the people I see in passing on the streets. The inspiration can come from anywhere.

My process begins by my selection of bright colors of fluid paint that I choose to communicate whatever it is I want to say. I found that I speak better with color than I do with words. From there it becomes an exploration with unconventional tools like palette knives, squeeze tube bottles of fluid paint, and paper towels. I don't use brushes in my paintings. It becomes a harmonious process at this point between me, the tools, and the canvas, with each piece having its own agenda, but the same goal.

Through my work, my aim is to spark an emotion with my viewer, a sense of wonder, and a childlike curiosity. I often tell my viewers if my work speaks to you, then it was meant for you.

When I'm not creating, you can find me exploring local towns near my home taking in new sights and finding new inspirations. As well a playing with my grandchildren or just spending time with my wife and our family.

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Dream in Color,

Sir Michael Surber