Fall 2015 Competition:

Seeing RED!

2nd Place Winner

BLOOD ON THE LEAVES

Oil/Mixed Media on Canvas

36in x 24in

750. usd

artist statement

Seeing Red! could be interpreted as one being so angry that their vision is consumed with the color red. I focus on past and present issues plaguing the black community that may incite this type of anger. "Blood on the Leaves" highlights the historical atrocities of innocent black children being lynched in the United States, to begin conversations about healing the black community and creating a more peaceful world that honors life. Instead of maintaining a position of unchecked anger at the cause of these incidents, I'd rather expose the injustice as a way to start a dialogue to begin the process of healing.

While my concentration is painting, I am a multi-media artist. I osculate between tight rendering and loose brushwork. There is an exciting energy surge as creation manifests, showing itself on the surface. No matter the subject, my goal is to illuminate the essence of layered complexities in one visual experience. Art production is a cycle of challenges and solutions making way for personal expression.

artist bio

I am a Hartford, Connecticut native dedicated to my community. Being married, a mother of boy-girl twins and having served in the Connecticut Air National Guard, retiring with 21 years of faithful service, I draw on my experiences to share my unique perspective. My beginnings in art started at a young age as a self-taught artist. Furthering my education, I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelors of Art. Currently, I work as an art consultant and Resident Artist for the Montessori School of Greater Hartford. I also volunteer my media services to Hartford Public Access Television where I co-produce, host and video edit a TV program called Artistic Expressions, promoting the Arts. I am owner and operator of Artpeace Studio, a home-based artist studio dedicated to teaching small groups, one-on-one instruction and personal commissions. I am a member of various art organizations and a board member of the Golden Thread Gallery in West Hartford, CT. Together with a college I co-chair the Exhibition Committee for the Gallery on the Green in Canton, CT. I am a proud member of the Veteran Arts Foundation of CT, whose goal is to help veterans heal through the arts. We're actively involved in showing our art regularly to the public in order to bridge the gap between the community and the veteran population.

ART SHOWINGS

2014 Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – Love and Chocolate
2014 Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – Members' New Work Show
2013 West Hartford Art League – Saltbox Gallery
2013 Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – Gallery on the Green
2013Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – 53rd Anniversary Show2013 Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – Gallery on the Green
2013 Arts In Motion Glam Slam, Anne Marie Williams, Hartford, CT
2013 Canton Artist’s Guild, Inc. – Gallery on the Green Founders Gallery: WORD-ART Show
2003 Blu Day Spa, Provincetown, Cape Cod
2001 Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT – Student Show
1998 Pump House Gallery, Hartford, CT
1995-1998 Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT- Various Student Shows & One Woman Shows
1995 Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT – Selected Show
1995 The National Arts Program, Hartford, CT – Juried Show
1994 City’s Edge Night Club, Hartford, CT
1993 Charter Oak Cultural Center, Hartford, CT – Juried Show
1993 The National Arts Program, Hartford, CT – Juried Show
1993 Picasso’s Bistro-Gallery, Hartford, CT – One Woman Show
1992 UCONN West Hartford Branch, West Hartford, CT – Joint Show with Rap Bailey

AWARDS

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Special Award (1998)
Connecticut Woman Artist Award (1998)
MCTC Foundation Purchase Award (1997)
John E Stevens Award for exceptional achievement in Fine Arts at Manchester Community Technical College (1996)

michelle thomas

Hartford, Connecticut [USA]

artpeace.studio@gmail.com

www.artpeace-studio.com

art scene today Q & A

Q: Where do you see yourself in the art scene today?

A: I am an active and viable creating artist. I have a unique perspective that I offer the world. Through my lens I hone in on my vast and rich experiences to articulate a visual language. Connecting with humanity is key for me as I am immersed in the art world.

Q: What is in your inspiration?

A: I am inspired by life itself. As I look about this world the one thing that is outstanding to me is diversity. Diversity in people, thought and form. Nature holds the key to deeper understanding to the complex relationships among human beings. Solutions to social issues of today may be found in the harmonious synergy of nature. Honor life.

Q: What are your challenges?

A: I am challenged by the injustice of race relations in the United States. However, I use this platform to create meaningful art that evokes feelings of longing for a better world.

Q: How did you/do you choose your medium?

A: While my concentration is painting, I am a multi-media artist. My style and subject matter continues to evolve. There is a myriad of tools available in art production as I push the limits of material and frequently combine media to reach a desired effect. I fell in love with the process of creation as I explored oil paint, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, ink, and ceramics. Each medium has its own unique properties and way of allowing the form to emerge. I enjoy the diversity each medium brings.

Q: Which artist has influenced you the most?

A: The artist that has influenced me the most is Frida Kahlo. As a woman artist I identify with her struggle to be taken seriously as an artist. Her artwork touches the deeper side of humanity and is honest. She seemed to create out of necessity or she would cease to exist. Her life's story resonates with me and is a raw example of struggle, perseverance and triumph. She is one of my personal heroes.

other work by artist

call for artists

Seeing RED!

artist statement

artist bio