Michael Buesking studied art at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and was influenced most directly by artists Herbert Fink, Ed Shay, and oil painting professor, Larry Bernstein. Buesking graduated with a B.A. in art in 1985, and then obtained a M.S. in Ed. in teaching art in 1987.
Buesking began a M.F.A. program at University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1998 and was strongly influenced by painters William Hawk and Frank Stack. He completed his M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing in 2002 with a thesis exhibit of paintings and monoprints: Prophet as Artist: Symbolic Actions of the Old Testament Prophets.
Since 1991 Buesking has taught Painting, Drawing and Art History at Evangel University in Springfield, MO. He shows his work regionally and participates with CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts).
Artist Statement
The human figure in my paintings, in its various attitudes and gestures, is important as a conveyer of meaning. In the more or less realistic spaces I depict, I hope to communicate the sense that some significant or archetypal event is transpiring. My work often functions as a sign or symbol to be read and understood by the Christian community.
Professional Memberships & Noteworthy Community Involvement
Member of Christians in the Visual Arts — CIVA