Michele Knox – Hard Emotions

Description

Artist Statement

Creating abstract art is a deeply personal and immersive process for me, guided by a desire to explore the intersection of emotion, perception, and expression. Drawing inspiration from the chaos and harmony of nature, as well as the complexities of human experience, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and relaxation in the viewer. My work is driven by a desire to transcend the limitations of representation, utilizing various techniques such as layering, texture, and color blending to create dynamic compositions that invite interpretation and introspection. Through abstraction, I seek to distill the essence of my subject matter, whether it be a fleeting emotion, a fleeting moment, or an abstract concept, into a visual language that speaks directly to the soul. Ultimately, my goal is to provoke thought, emotion, and connection, inviting viewers to explore their own perceptions and emotions within the boundless realm of abstraction.

Artist Biography

I am a multifaceted woman, who has pursued two great passions throughout my life: science and art. While I came to my art later in my life, I imbues it with my creativity and unique point of view. I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and while I didn’t pursue art in my younger years, I always remembered an art class in middle school that made me feel the spark of something special. In my 30s, I moved to Las Vegas and
pursued a career in radiology, specializing in CT and MRI imaging. While I loved my work, I always felt a pull towards art but respected the knowledge and creativity required in scientific fields.I continued to dabble in art throughout my life, taking only one more art class before getting married and focusing on my career. Eventually, I found myself settling down in Olympia. In 2022 after an injury
resulting in needing to take 6 months off from work, a friend of mine said, “Now, you have time to paint,” and so I did. I picked up a brush, and haven’t stopped since. Only recently did I discover that my mother always wanted to go to art school, she just couldn’t afford it.I quickly integrated myself in the art world, walking myself straight into Olympia Lamplighters, a local art studio/Gallery. I struck up a conversation with Gab Kalfen, the gallery curator, and through a small series
of conversations, I had my art featured in the gallery’s window display, and on their Instagram. Soon after,I took an online course, where I met my mentor Cheryl Wilson, who has also become a good friend. My relationship with Olympia Lamplighters has resulted in the sale of two works of art, and 2 commission
1pieces. I was featured in a publication for minority women in the art world the link is https://www.mediaislandinternational.org/mediaislandnewsletter. , I had my website done in 2023.Numerous exhibit showings of my art and winning competitions.My art is a reflection of my inner self. I never know what I am going to paint when I begin but the paint,brush, and movement guide me along the way. My art and expressions are very much spontaneous. I try to paint what I am feeling at that moment it could be relaxing or moody it just depends . I draw inspiration
from everywhere. Particularly landscapes and water . I have a fondness of the ocean and waves . I have lived all over the country, but when I arrived in the Pacific Northwest, I knew it was home.