Original oil paintings + Prints + Wearable art
Art that makes you smile - then makes you think
Every painting begins with a sculpture.
Mari Jae builds her subjects from sculpted wax strings before translating them into oil paint. Thought bubbles, speech bubbles, and humor become modern allegories for power, politics, family, and the quiet misunderstandings that shape our lives. Playful at first glance, the paintings reveal more the longer you live with them.
Shown internationally. Collected across the U.S., Canada, France, and Switzerland.
“Profound, but not confusing; invoking emotion but not underestimating the Viewer’s intelligence; exploring all possibilities but never straying too far from certainty (or creating new certainties). Using perceived frivolity to make us think about society, politics, relationships and life is my primary focus”
Mari Jae
Read full artist statement →
Build
Light
Paint
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 am fascinated by the difference between what people think, what they say, and how they understand one another.
My paintings explore that space.
The characters begin as small sculptures made from wax strings. Once sculpted, I arrange them under dramatic light and transform them into oil paintings. Through thought bubbles, speech bubbles, humor, and visual storytelling, these figures become stand-ins for all of us.
The work often appears playful. Beneath the bright colors and whimsical forms are observations about relationships, communication, social expectations, and the stories we tell ourselves.
I want viewers to smile at the characters, recognize themselves in the conversation, and leave with a new perspective on human connection.
Original work
Featured Collage Prints
Not ready for an original painting? Start here. Originally assembled as collages and then photographed, these prints carry the same figures, the same light and at a fraction of the price. They all feature wax string figures and cutout letters from magazines and newspapers. Mari Jae is always looking for interesting typography! Available in multiple sizes.
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.
Some dreams begin with a leap.
Fly captures the exhilarating moment between hesitation and freedom. A whimsical wax-string figure appears suspended in motion, inviting viewers to embrace possibility, trust their instincts, and venture beyond the familiar.
The figure's oversized glasses, playful expression, and dynamic posture create a sense of movement and adventure, while the minimalist composition allows the artwork's message to soar. Equal parts humorous and inspiring, Fly celebrates courage, imagination, and the belief that growth often requires leaving the ground beneath us.
Whether displayed in a home office, creative studio, classroom, or living space, Fly serves as a daily reminder to think bigger and aim higher.
• Inspiring and uplifting message
• Signature wax-string figure artwork
• Contemporary minimalist composition
• Encourages optimism and growth
• Perfect gift for graduates, entrepreneurs, and creatives
Product Description:
• 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.
Sometimes the most unexpected subjects reveal the most truth.
Vomit transforms an ordinary human experience into something strangely funny, relatable, and surprisingly charming. A small wax-string figure appears beneath a handwritten speech bubble, boldly declaring a word most people would rather avoid.
With humor, vulnerability, and a touch of absurdity, this contemporary art print invites viewers to reconsider the moments we'd rather hide. The result is a piece that balances discomfort with delight, creating an artwork that sparks laughter, curiosity, and conversation.
Minimalist in composition but rich in personality, Vomit is perfect for collectors drawn to unconventional contemporary art and visual storytelling that embraces life's messy realities.
• Unexpected and memorable subject matter
• Blends humor with emotional honesty
• Signature wax-string figure artwork
• Contemporary conversation piece
• Encourages multiple interpretations
Take your opinions to your walls...! Museum-quality prints made on thick matte paper.
• 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.
Every great adventure begins with a little confidence and a lot of imagination.
Ta-Da features one of Mari Jae's signature wax-string figures standing proudly in the spotlight, adorned with oversized green glasses, a whimsical hat, and undeniable personality. Equal parts playful and triumphant, this contemporary art print captures the universal feeling of showing up, standing tall, and declaring, "Here I am."
The minimalist composition allows the colorful handmade figure to command attention, while the mixed typography below adds charm, humor, and a touch of childhood wonder. Whether displayed in a creative studio, dorm room, office, nursery, or modern living space, Ta-Da serves as a joyful reminder to embrace curiosity, creativity, and self-expression.
Perfect for collectors who appreciate contemporary figurative art, whimsical wall decor, and artwork that sparks conversation.
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?
This print reproduces an original oil painting from the wax string figure series — hand-sculpted, lit under chiaroscuro light, painted in oil. For anyone who has ever taken a leap and hoped for the best.
• Original wax-string figure artwork
• Playful contemporary aesthetic
• Museum-quality reproduction
• Makes an uplifting gift for creatives and dreamers
• Brings humor and personality to modern interiors
• 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.
Visit in Person
Art Oasis Natick —
a studio you can walk into.
Visit my working studio inside Art Oasis Natick. See new paintings, watch work in progress, join a figure drawing session or simply spend time surrounded by artists.
Stay in the loop
New work. Real stories. No noise.
