Michelle resides in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and has recently earned a Masters in Fine Art through the Massachusetts College of Art low-residency program.  Before entering this program, she was the head of the K-12 art department at the International School of Bratislava, Slovakia.

 Near the Dam at Cunivo, Slovakia, Oil on Canvas 36 x 48 inches

 

Artist Statement

What is laid down, ordered, factual is never enough to embrace the whole truth: life always spills over the rim of every cup.—Boris Pasternak


Painting from direct observation requires me to be completely aware of, and responsive to, my surroundings.  Clarifying what I perceive into tangible forms—finding inherent order or structure in the object—becomes an exercise in elucidation, in figuring out my position.  Painting impels one to continually negotiate, and I feel successful when I discover points at which complex chaos seem to gel in to a sense of harmony, as it makes me feel I’ve gained some understanding about the world.

These paintings use dramatic combinations of lights and darks as well as bold shapes and colors to express a celebratory feeling.  I associate scenes from nature with life, abundance and emotional clarity.  Baroque art is another influence and the whirling, circling, energetic use of light and space in this style of art is meant to rejoice life—for me there is no better aim for art.

 


 
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