Painted Poems
A living gallery where each painting is paired with a poem—scrolling softly beside the work. Artist’s Choice cycles the newest pieces for 14 days.
Meet the Artist
My career as an artist started when I was born, as it does with all artists. I began as a poet and writer, a traveler, and one who lives life. After graduating Brandeis University with a BA in philosophy, I set out on extensive travels around the world.
While in New York in 1980, I began painting without any formal instruction. My first art showing was running up Fifth Avenue, chasing my paintings flying in the wind. I never sought out professional training for an odd reason: I wanted my art to be my own and not reflect any style or substance of another. I truly respect the technical skills and dedication of all the great formal artists out there, but I am not one of them.
How do I know that I am an artist? I know that by the number of my artworks destroyed. I have had paintings destroyed in hurricanes, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, vandalism with spray paint, and sawn into sections by carpenters. Losing these art pieces taught me the transient nature of beauty and the ephemeral nature of man’s existence.
Because of an epiphany years ago, I decided that humanitarianism was of ultimate importance in my life and became a physician for the next forty years, dedicating myself to helping the poor and misfortunate around the world, while showing duty to my local patients in Florida through their sufferings as well. Because of this focus, necessarily, I always considered myself a doctor first and an artist second. However, upon my retirement this year, I am now able to reassert the importance of truth and beauty that is all around us.
I never had to sell my art to feed or house myself and therefore never had the pressure to focus on commercially saleable works. My art through the years has focused on movement, energy, and color — the life force that struggles within — and the contrasts that make our world interesting. I have paintings hanging in multiple countries and private homes and have sold some. I do not know if my works have value or beauty. That will be up to you to decide. I will offer to all the Painted Poems of my life.
Sincerely,
Mitchell A. Schuster
