Gary Muzechuk, Muze, born December 2, 1967 and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Grandson of Ukrainian-born artist, Alex Muzechuk, his passion for painting is cultivated early in his childhood by his artist grandfather. His talent becomes evident by age six and his drawings are lovingly displayed by his parents. After graduating from Centerville High School, Muze attends The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1990.
In 1996, six years after relocating to California working in industrial chemical sales, Muze studies fine art painting at the San Francisco Art Institute and considers pursuing painting professionally.
His creative journey begins in Costa Rica. Living deep in the tropical rainforest, beside one of the world's most beautiful rafting rivers, he embarks on a life of adventure and art. His self-study begins first with drawing the human figure, then returning to painting in acrylic then oil. While exploring the cultures of the Americas, he hones his technique, experimenting with color, composition and style, mentored by his artist cousin, Richard Muzechuk.
Culminating a two year journey traveling through Central America and the Andes of South America, Muze returns to his native Ohio. He paints several murals before studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Exploring the works of masters, Matisse, Van Gough and Cezanne, his painting style is forged by the boldness of the French Impressionists, the Fauves and the Abstract Expressionists. “I love a faster tempo when painting, more based on an intuitive instinct than thoughtful deliberation. Sometimes painting is a dance and others times it’s a duel,” says Muze.
Muze's use of vibrant color and bold stroke energize his work bringing a rhythm, sensuality and passion to his art. His organic sense of color harmony and composition have contributed to a body of work that is collected and cherished across the world.