Sky Series #1, 2021-2022, acrylic on curly maple, 28 x 27.25 x 3 in. (71.1 x 69.2 x 7.6 cm)
Middlebrook's artistic journey is a narrative of transformation, both personal and creative. Brought up in California during the height of countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, Middlebrook's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and a rebellious spirit that would come to define his artistic practice. After years of honing his craft in the bustling art scene of Brooklyn, Middlebrook made the pivotal decision to relocate to the Hudson Valley, seeking refuge from urban chaos and finding renewed inspiration amidst the tranquility of rural life. His work evolved into a poignant exploration of humanity's impact on the natural world, becoming a reflection of his deep-seated environmental consciousness and a call for greater accountability toward the planet.
Central to Middlebrook's artistic ethos is a commitment to experimentation and innovation. Blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture, he navigates seamlessly between mediums, creating a body of work that is as diverse as it is visually compelling. His iconic plank sculptures, inspired by the natural beauty of indigenous hardwoods, serve as a testament to his reverence for the environment and his belief in art as a vehicle for social and environmental change. He often references abstractionists of the 20th century. His signature works involve carving and shaping tree trunks into canvases for geometric compositions that reference works by artists such as Ellsworth Kelly, Bridget Riley, and Frank Stella.