Michael J. Pasko was born in Jamaica Queens, New York in 1956 and moved to San Antonio in 1972. Pasko's artistic talents are self-taught from his "spirit within". With a high school education and a total reliance and dependence on God, Pasko produces masterpieces untouched and untaught by human forces. Pasko has been involved in visual arts his entire life.
Each masterpiece is handmade, no computerization, small to life size scale ranging from religious to historical, sports figures, wildlife, wall murals, portraits in wood, statues, and other sculptures. Pasko's unawareness of a 5th century wood crafting technique he uses was revealed to him one day by a friend who had read about this style in an architectural design book. The design style called "Yosegi Zukuri" which dates back to 530 BC is uncommon today. By using this unique technique, not only will the uniqueness and rarity of this art form contribute to impacting the art world, but people will further understand about the extreme detail, numerous hours taken in creating one piece and the hard work which goes into using this technique.
Pasko uses the "old school" method, chisel and mallet, chiseling out the design. He believes that when computerization is used, the uniqueness and rarity of this work is lost. Each piece produced must go through a process of steps which deals with the compression of multiple layers of wood, the formulation of a preliminary sketch outlining all the proper measurements, angles, cuts, etc. and then each of the wood blocks are tenaciously handcrafted to create a magnificent piece.
This particular joined wood-block technique is used because it gives added value to the wood for the duration of the life of the piece. There are statues in existence today which were created utilizing this technique dating back to 1300 years ago. This technique allows Pasko to go through tenacious creative acts to capture every detail and unique characteristics and personality of the individual being portrayed. The result is a highly detailed piece which is a rare and exclusive collector's piece of art. The statues, ranging from life size to small scale which Pasko produces feature human hair, fingernails, and all of the accessory items are made from scratch in wood, such as clothing, boots, weapons, etc.
Pasko has been blessed by having learned the "Yosegi Zukuri" technique, a 5th century style of joined wood block construction. This technique allows for more strength and durability utilizing more of the character within the wood. Pasko achieves his creative designs in fabric, wall installations, decorative frames, jeweled mirrors, portraits, "art in a box", paintings, and furniture, and all custom works.
God said that if you will do "my will" and have faith, you can do well, although Pasko couldn't figure out what "His will" was. Now he knows God's will is "the talent he gives you" and Pasko believes this so much because of what has been accomplished and this can be overwhelming to him. In short, Pasko's mindset is far reaching in the creativeness of our God.
Pasko has said "what I have accomplished up till now is only the start of a journey that is beyond comprehension". Pasko lives with the practice of "the greater the sacrifice, the bigger the reward", especially when God is the reason for the sacrifice. When you sacrifice because of knowing that God has given you a talent, you give "all" of your ability to every work. And, God takes care of the rest. And, the rest is a manifestation of supernatural tendencies of love, peace, joy, and fulfillment.
The reward is in the outcome of what you are doing. The outcome is simply a miracle! Pasko can see that by his fruits that God has approved of his way of understanding. Hence, as Pasko continues on this pathway, he realizes that with "the faith of a mustard seed", that God will take these hands and "do His will".
For in the hands of an artist lies the ALL Knowing ….
