Gabriel Haze

The Modern Cultivation Series was created to convey two messages. First of which was to depict the world after mankind has left, giving even the tiniest beasts free rein over what we allowed to consume the earth. Every scene has a story that deals with a situation where the moment stood still. 'Unstable Foundation' allows the imagination to decide what was left behind and helps the individual to focus on the lack of care that insects have in regards to our morality, or lack there of.

Acrylic, 2009

The second message behind the series is more of a personal journey through fear. As a child I have always been afraid of insects, especially spiders. Much of this probably has to do with a film my parents allowed me to watch when I was younger called 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'. I recall a scene where a young boy was sleeping in his bed, only to be awaken by tarantulas covering his bedroom walls.

Acrylic, 2009

"Official Selection"
    Orlando Museum of Art

These paintings are my personal therapy into understanding and accepting the insect kingdom. By learning their ways, studying their structures and forcing myself to paint them in detail, I am able to move past the fear and find ways to see their beauty beyond the surface. 'Filling In The Holes' took home best in show in the Full Sail University art exhibit and was showcased at the Orlando Museum of Art's surrealism exhibit in late early 2009.

Acrylic, 2009

Best In Show: FSU Art Exhibition
"Official Selection"
    Orlando Museum of Art

Currently the most recent in the series, 'Valentine's Day Massacre' was supposed to have a box chocolates that lay in disarray amongst these water worms and help the viewer focus on the loss of love. It was never completed due to my inability at the time to continue the thought process of why the painting was even started. The door was never closed on the individual this piece was meant for and as a result the painting remains incomplete.

Acrylic, 2009

Between the years of 1996 and 1998 I was introduced heavily into the arts when I was allowed to take four hours of art a day in high school due to my already successful GPA record. As a result, my teachers and mentors Mrs. Dworkin and Mrs. Venaleck submersed me in an array of art forms including digital painting, jewelry smithing, wood work, clay sculpture and paint. Pictured left is one of my first paintings using a favorite medium of mine, gouache.

Gouache, ca. 1997

Originally designed to be a name plate, 'My Personal Pandora' took on a life of it's own, depicting from sadder moments in my life the beauty that lies within. Pandora was another piece that was displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art in mid-2008.

Mixed Media, 2008

"Official Selection"
    Orlando Museum of Art

In Detroit there was and still may be a large mural painted on the side of one the downtown skyscrapers. It's creator was an artist by the name of Robert Wyland. This painting is meant to pay homage to his work and the beauty his vision has left within me.

Watercolor, Airbrush, Acrylic. ca. 1996

My first and only water color, Irons is a still life piece that was part of the Scholastic Art Awards in early 1998. It was one of 8 pieces that went on to the national level and the portfolio in whole brought home 3 gold keys, 2 silver and 1 honorable mention.

Water Color, ca. 1997

Scholastic Portfolio Winner

Standing 6 feet tall, 'Captives' caught the attention of many in the Orlando circuit, including ending up in the local Orlando Weekly newspaper. It's highly controversial depiction of man vs. religion had it removed from Full Sail Universities gallery and later displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art's fine art sculpture exhibit. 'Captives' was my way of dealing with a monster that had been buried within me since I was a young boy, taking from an experience that to this day still lingers within. It's goal was to ask the question: can we call ourselves followers of God with love and still march with the bloodshed of war and discrimination?

Mixed Media. 2009

Best In Show: FSU Art Exhibition
"Official Selection"
    Orlando Museum of Art