Original oil paintings + Prints + Wearable art
Art that makes you smile - then makes you think
Every painting begins with a sculpture. Mari Jae hand-builds her figures from wax strings, a children's craft material, then photographs them under dramatic chiaroscuro lighting before translating them into oil paint. The result is dimensional, figurative work that is technically unlike anything else being made: whimsical on the surface, pointed underneath. These dimensional characters tackle politics, relationships, and the beautiful strangeness of being human. Shown internationally. Collected across the US, France, and Switzerland.
It’s a Toss (Up) - Oil Paint on Canvas
Original Work
Paintings that live on your wall
(Doing) Damage - Oil Paint on Canvas
Dinner (Party) - Oil Paint on Canvas
(Not) Cloudy - Oil Paint on Canvas
Look (Out) - Oil Paint on Canvas
Mr. Pineapple - Oil Paint on Canvas
"Profound, but not confusing. Invoking emotion without underestimating the viewer's intelligence. Using perceived frivolity to make us think — about society, politics, relationships, and life."
— Mari Jae, Artist Statement
Artist Prints
The work, for your walls.
The figure mid-reveal — arms wide, everything on the line. Ta-Da is pure joy with a question buried inside: what happens after the flourish? When the performance ends and the applause fades — what's left? For anyone who has ever taken a leap and hoped for the best.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
*Artwork copyright remains with the artist.
One of the most collected works in the series. A figure in the moment just before becoming flight — not airborne yet, but decided. The warm palette and upward gesture have made this the most requested print in the collection. For anyone who recognizes that specific feeling: the moment before you commit to the thing you're about to do.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan
*This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
*Artwork copyright remains with the artist.
The figure who contains more than they reveal. Enigma sits in the long tradition of the inscrutable portrait — the subject who looks back and tells you nothing, which tells you everything. For the room where you do your thinking.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 5.57 oz/y² (189 g/m²)
• Giclée printing quality
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
*Artwork copyright remains with the artist.
Some figures stand. This one presides. Sassy carries the full weight of the word — that particular dismissal meaning "you have too much personality for my comfort." The figure disagrees. Entirely. For anyone who has ever been told they are too much.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil
• Paper weight: 189 g/m²
• Opacity: 94%
• ISO brightness: 104%
• Paper is sourced from Japan
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
*Artwork copyright remains with the artist.
Wearable Art
Wear the Conversation
Stay active throughout the week with these uniquely-designed athletic shoes. They feature a soft, padded inside for maximum comfort and a rubber outsole for stability.
• 100% polyester ultralight flyknit
• EVA rubber outsole
• Breathable lining
• Soft insole and a padded collar
• Lace-up front
• Soles and laces in matching colors
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction and strain on the environment, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Flower Power - Shoes
Effortless style combined with everyday versatility. Thanks to the breathable lining and soft insole, these men’s lace-up canvas shoes will withstand even the wildest nights with friends.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Look (out) - Mug
Dinner (Party) - Shoes
The Artist
Where play became
a practice.
While my children were absorbed in their own imaginative worlds, I began experimenting with the wax strings they were using. Those playful forms evolved into characters, and eventually into an entire visual language about human communication.
I create oil paintings from these hand-sculpted wax-string figures. Using thought bubbles, speech bubbles, humor, and visual storytelling, my work examines the often-overlooked space between what people think, what they say, and how they connect. Beneath the playful surfaces are observations about communication, relationships, and modern life. My characters carry the weight of what we don't say out loud.
Visit in Person
Art Oasis Natick —
a studio you can walk into.
A warm, joyous, and inspiring creative hub in Natick, MA. See original works in person, take a class, or find your next collector piece. Because some art deserves to be experienced in the room.
