ARTIST STATEMENT
It is in that moment when determination, resistance, resolve triumph. That moment when we confront curiosities and stereotypes and ideas and misunderstandings about who we are and how we live. When we go beyond our prescription of judgement. I look for stories in people, sceneries, in the abstract that are unbound, knowing, voiceless. Looking to be seen. My paintings reveal a breath in the smiles of loss, the overworked joy of rejection, the wrinkles of lies concealing a sense of belonging and the tears of rejuvenation in nature. Underneath is an unwavering determination, resistance, resolve that keeps it going. There is no conclusion. A time sensitive connection with the questions of a larger conscious, a greater struggle, comforting and exciting. An unresolved push and pull of paint. Tension. Texture of brush stroke and palette knife in all directions. No direction. A unique color story individualized to obsession. An invitation to get close.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Michelle Thomas was born in Chicago in 1959. She has a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in figure painting and drawing and a MS in business ethics and compliance from New England College of Business. Member of Palette & Chisel, has exhibited in several artist member shows including the 2022 Gold Metal Show. She has exhibited in many juried group shows in the Midwest and New York. Instructor of painting and drawing workshops throughout Chicago.
Michelle puts aside time to realize her passion in painting while working full-time. She paints to understand human and natural beauty.
© Michelle Thomas