Illuminating the Shadows: Mitch Blicharz on Addiction, Spirituality, and Art
- Tracy Stride
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Mitch Blicharz is an artist whose work pierces the veil between addiction and spirituality, casting light on the struggles and redemption found within. His latest piece, a reimagining of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, is a haunting depiction of a man lost in the throes of getting high on a couch, unaware of God’s outstretched hand, so close yet unnoticed. The man’s hand rests passively, not reaching, embodying the spiritual distance Mitch himself once felt. “A lot of my art is on the theme of spiritual darkness and God as illumination and light,” Mitch explains.
The piece was born from Mitch’s own experience with meth addiction, conceived during sleepless nights of isolation and disconnection from the divine. For two years, he nurtured the concept before bringing it to life. It’s a powerful reflection of his journey—one marked by a difficult childhood with an emotionally absent father, leading to substance use that spiraled into dangerous, life-threatening situations. Mitch’s art speaks directly to those who share similar stories, offering a visual language for their pain and hope.
Mitch’s path to recovery was not linear. He entered rehab several times before achieving lasting sobriety, a milestone he credits to his spirituality and the deep bonds he formed with the men at Spero, a recovery community. “Despair and addiction are denying God,” he says, emphasizing how his faith became a beacon in his darkest moments. Remarkably, Mitch views his addiction as a paradoxical gift: “Addiction is the only disease that when treated, you become a better person.” For him, it was a crucible that forged a closer connection to God.
His art, predominantly black and white, captures the interplay of light and dark through countless shades of grey. Each work tells a story of contrast—God as the radiant light piercing a despairing darkness. This signature style underscores Mitch’s fascination with the nuanced spectrum between extremes, mirroring the complexities of his own redemption.
Through his art, Mitch Blitcharz transforms personal and universal struggles into a testament of hope, inviting viewers to see the divine even in the shadows. He hopes that his art can shine a similar light for those with similar struggles.
Mitch’s art for sale and for viewing can be found at his Facebook profile Mitchell Philip Blicharz and instagram @mitchellblicharz
