Craftmanship, elegance, and metacognition is what defines Marie Homolkova-Michalek’s Art. Her work is a combination of inspirations of Alfons Mucha’s depiction of natural beauty and grace, the dramatic light famous of Caravaggio, the raw horror-like creativity of Hieronymus Bosch, and the introspective written work of the British philosopher, James Allen’s, “As a Man Thinketh”. This was the core inspiration for “The Gardener” exhibit in 2025. Much of Marie’s best work is an attempt at capturing the inner thought processes as one deals with trauma, hardship, love, and the ultimate pursuit of enlightenment and peace.
After finishing her BFA in painting and printmaking at Illinois State University, earning many honorable distinctions, Marie completed an apprenticeship under the artist, Karel Polomis, in Loket, Czech Republic. There she learned the old techniques of the European master painters. She has since completed works for a wide range of clients from private collectors to hospitals to businesses, including Baraboo’s own Ochsner Park & Zoo’s entrance murals.