“Rick’s work bypasses the brain and goes straight to the heart.”

- Joel Peissig, Director, “All Things Undone”


ABOUT ME

Although I live and work in Brooklyn, NY my heart belongs to the sky, the trees, the dirt. I walk quiet trails, meditate near waterfalls and watch as clouds form, drift and evaporate. Nature grounds me, and through my art, I try to bring a sense of reverence and wonder into the spaces we forget to look.

My most well-known medium is collage, and I layer cloud-shaped elements to create depth and dimension within atmospheric cloudscapes. I work from memory and calligraphy drawings, and use mixed media as a way to capture moments of peace. I work with decorative papers from around the world, each piece carrying its own culture and story. As I arrange them, I find harmony in contrast, rhythm in repetition, beauty in the handmade and the imperfect. This helps me make art that connects with how we feel the world rather than how we see it.

I believe that there is beauty in chaos and stillness alike — and that even in a city we can still immerse ourselves in something sacred.


RICK MIDLER is an accomplished artist and creative director based in Brooklyn, NY, renowned for his intricate collages that skillfully camouflage decorative papers and juxtapose patterns. His work delves into the concept of "pareidolia," blending an eye for animation with multi-cultural influences. Rick's distinctive technique, inspired by Matisse and Japanese bonsai masters, showcases a meticulous scissor method that brings his vibrant pieces to life.

Rick's artistic journey is marked by numerous exhibitions, including Habitat Contemporary (KC), Mighty Tanaka (DUMBO, NY), Art Prize (MI), and in Paris at the Carrousel du Louvre. He was selected by Art on Paper, NY to be their featured solo artist.

One of his notable projects is “For the Robin on my Porch,” an animated collage created in collaboration with Bette Midler, Randall Poster, and Andrea Potos for The Birdsong Project Vol. V by The National Audubon Society. (View the project here)

Rick is the former SVP Creative Director at BBDO, NY and co-founder of Kernel, a division of Charter Communications. His work has received significant recognition including an Emmy, Clios, One Show, Effies, Andy Awards, London International Awards, and Telly Awards.

Rick continues to push the boundaries of his medium, constantly seeking new challenges and platforms for his art.