Artist Statement

I am primarily a colorist who works with organic shapes and images. I love the emotion that color evokes.  Color is like music, it connects with us in ways we don't realize.  It focuses our eyes to the arena of what is it?  Where does it fit?  Is it real?  Am I safe?  Our emotional response to color may not be safe and may cause discomfort.  Sometimes mixing intense colors that don't appear to complement each other can create a calmness and a question at the same time.

I work viscerally as well as intellectually.  I may approach the subject matter, the statement, the message intellectually, and the treatment of the work viscerally.  As an example I use chromosome mapping to raise questions regarding science and ethics, yet approach the work through the primal side, with color and shape

The sculptural work explores the mystery of numbers, of the seasons, and the energy that happens in the state of synchronicity.  Also the relationship of man, his spiritual quest, the pain of the human condition, and our attempt to heal the earth when she is out of balance.

“Michael Stearns creates acrylic paintings of great vibrancy. It’s like watching neighborhood wildflowers that you have no idea are about to bloom and then, one fine day, the place runs amuck with color and fragrance and bees. His work is allusive and concrete, reverent like a meadow, a fragrance and a thing, a memory and a snapshot.” – James Scarborough, art critic

“Stearns' exuberant, expressive modern celebrations of vibrant color quickly found an avid following with art lovers. His work continues to sell almost as quickly as he can create it.” – Melissa Balmer, Long Beach Magazine

Education

Bachelor of Fine Art, California State University at Los Angeles

Solo Exhibitions

Colorado Lagoon Project, Gallery 33 East, June 2005
Recent Works, Gallery 33 East, November 2006
Transformations, Gallery 33 East, October 2008

Group Exhibitions

Art Auction Xl, Long Beach Museum of Art, May 2005
Art Auction Xll, Long Beach Museum of Art, May 2007
Dia de los Muertos, 2nd City Arts Council, 2009

Prizes

Long Beach Arts Competition, non-representational abstract
   2nd Prize 2006
Long Beach Arts Competition, works on paper
   Honorable Mention 2008

Special Projects

Member - Board of Directors
   Museum of Latin American Art, 2001 - 2008
   Long Beach Arts Council, 2005 - 2008
Curator, Art Auction XIII, Long Beach Museum of Art, 2009