Wizard Cleave
Michael York Gilreath
Wizard Cleave, Michael York Gilreath is an Independent, California native artist, showing and selling his work internationally. At a young age, Michael quickly learned that his right brain functions are significantly stronger than his left and was geared towards more of a creative outlet than a traditional curriculum.
Having an upbringing with Brachial Plexus Palsy (a birth injury), learning difficulties and dyslexia Michael fueled his passion and time with his creativity and imagination.
Working primarily with wood, airbrush, cel vinyl, inks and acrylics, his bright colors and dark intricate line work are heavily inspired by 90's skateboards, World of Warcraft, Medieval art, black metal, psychedelics, and soft vinyl kaiju toys. Constantly learning new techniques and mediums, Michael considers himself a 'forever student' who is eager to build on his creative foundations and his craft. His hunger for knowledge, determination, and passion to create new work has contributed to his success thus far and also helped reach his goals to create beautiful works of art with a twist of darkness.
Michael believes a large amount of redbull, not taking himself too seriously, and constantly learning and trying new techniques is the key to success. Michael is currently working as a freelance artist based out of Monterey, CA and is always interested in taking on a new challenge.
Reach out to wizardcleave@icloud.com to create a project together.
Under no circumstances should Wizard Cleave, Michael York Gilreath’s work be used to train AI models or in any project affiliated with AI or NFTs.
ALL WORKS COPYRIGHT OF WIZARD CLEAVE
History
Wizard Cleave was a popular composition in a three vs three arena match in the massively popular multiplayer online game, World of Warcraft. Wizard Cleave typically consisted of three team members; a Healer and two Casters. 'Arenas' are battles in which teams can compete against each other in death-match style, player vs player competitions. Arenas are not based on objectives, but simply your team's ability to obliterate the other team.
My friends and I lived for Arenas and ran arenas until all hours. The love of the game and the relationships I built with my teammates/friends grew increasingly strong. My inspiration from the games lore, art and graphics did as well.
As social media started to rise, I discovered new inspirations and artists I cherished. It was then I knew, I had to continue and peruse my creativity, love and passion for art as a profession. I wanted to combine my love/nerdism for all things medieval with the weird, psychedelic, fine art I fell in love with.
In wanting to combine the two, Wizard Cleave was born!