Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Roller
Hi MICHAEL, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as an artist has been anything but linear. I started with a love for design and industrial objects—cars, shoes, technology—and that background naturally led me to a degree in product design. But over time, I took on more corporate jobs and realized that I also needed something less rigid in my life, something where I could explore my own ideas freely. That’s when my casual interest in art turned into a serious painting practice. It feels like keeping one foot inside of a corporate structure and the other in a fluid, unpredictable environment. At first, I approached my art with the same planning and precision I used as a professional designer and product manager, but gradually, I started embracing the spontaneous moments and the imperfections.
As I got deeper into the work, I found myself exploring themes of connection—connection with myself, my family, and something larger—spiritual. Layering acrylic paint became a way for me to process the complexities of modern life. The same person never walks into the room twice. Each brushstroke felt like a way to express how our lives are always shifting. Now, my work is as much about that personal journey as it is about the visual. I want people to look at my pieces and reflect on their own experiences, the way I’ve reflected on mine.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think the struggles have shaped my work in important ways. One of the biggest obstacles early on was letting go of control. I’ve experienced loss and tragedy in my life but through that I’ve also seen new, hopeful connections emerge. I realized I was working from the wrong playbook, and start trusting that unexpected but valuable experience can emerge with an open mindset.
Another challenge was finding my voice as an artist. I am always trying to find balance between things. In my art there’s a tension between the polished world of product design and the rawness I wanted to bring out in my paintings.
On a more personal level, navigating my own journey toward connecting more deeply with my family and spirituality has been both a challenge and a breakthrough. It’s not always easy to explore those themes, especially in a world that often prizes a man’s independence and self-reliance. But confronting those struggles has made my work richer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work revolves around creating abstract compositions that balance control and spontaneity. I specialize in layering acrylic paints to build rich, textured surfaces that reflect contemporary life and personal experiences. My pieces are known for their vibrant aesthetics and the way they invite viewers to explore the interplay between visual systems. Each artwork is like a dialogue between structured elements and unpredictable colors—echoing my own journey of embracing both precision and improvisation.
My background in industrial design, product innovation, and digital trends informs my approach, allowing me to integrate a sense of order with a willingness to let the unexpected happen. I’m proud of how my work has evolved to reflect my ongoing exploration of relationships—with myself, my family, and my spirituality.
I’m particularly proud of the way my art has become a medium for deeper reflection. Each piece is a visual conversation, inviting viewers to consider their own relationships and experiences. It’s this connection—both with my personal journey and with the audience—that I find most challenging but also the most fulfilling.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the ability to connect deeply—with myself, my family, and my spirituality. It’s taken me a lifetime to get clear on these values, and I’ll probably spend the rest of my life refining them. In my art, this connection is reflected in the way I layer colors and textures, creating pieces that invite introspection and personal reflection.
Creating art that resonates on this level allows me to explore and express relationships in a tangible form. It’s like finding a melody in music that speaks to your soul—each layer of paint is an instrument, colors are chords in a larger composition. This personal exploration and expression through art are what drive me, and I hope they inspire others to reflect on their own connections and experiences.
Ultimately, what matters most is the authenticity and depth that I bring to my work and the way it encourages viewers to engage with their own inner worlds.
Pricing:
- Prices ranges from 300-2000
- Available for custom commissions to fit a curated living space or office
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollermt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollermtstudio
