Where Have I Been?

(October—oops!) November greetings, friends!

I am happy to hop on here and check in with you lovelies… and to share a view from my new-to-me kayak!

Much has transpired in the months since I last wrote, as life often fills with unexpected journeys that take us elsewhere. Throughout the months, much art-making has transpired none the less.

I had quite an enlivening show at KY Crafted last spring and enjoyed meeting so many new interesting people. I love answering questions about my work and process and hearing how others connect with my art— it is delightful after the many months of working in solitude and I am always moved by the kindred spirits that gather in my booth.

And of course, I celebrate each and every piece of work that goes home with a new collector. What a joy and a privilege to know that a piece of my inner self is heading to a new abode, taking on new layers of meaning and life!

(New happy collector of “Fragile Strength”— I am especially happy to see these well-loved orchids travel to this orchid-loving woman!)

I was surprised and honored to be awarded, "Best in Show"— it was so gratifying for my second year of being in KY Crafted. Thanks to the KY Arts Council for continuing to support my art career in so many ways. 

I extend huge thanks to my dear family and a friend (it takes a village) for assisting me in setting up such a large space filled with fragile work requiring suspension, mounting, and pedestal placement! It truly is a labor of love to set up a 10 x 20 ft. booth with encaustic sculpture🙏 ! I am always one of the first in the building and so far, have always been the last out (needing special permission from security to be there after-hours to complete set-up!). This is beginning to be a familiar sight, haha…

But at least the following morning I was able to take happy pictures like this… (my first-born now towering over me!)

… and this— nothing like dear friends coming out to support me at local events!

As spring quickly followed, May brought 2 exhibitions!

First was, "HIP to be Square" at New Editions Gallery in Lexington, KY, curated by gallery owner, Frankie York. I had completed all 6 sculptural panels with foundational photographs of Australian eucalyptus bark and all sculptures were complete and mounted, but I couldn’t get past seeing hidden imagery in the photos (scroll down to the bottom of these images to see bark images)…

Back to the drawing board (literally!) and many weeks later, all 6 were delivered to be in this show. Thank you, Frankie, for this opportunity! (This, “Beneath the Bark” Collection is now exhibiting in, “Inspired by Nature”, described further below, until November 14th— come see these critters up close!).

{If you are unable to attend the show and are interested in bringing any of these unusual renderings into your life, just let me know :). They are most definitely fueled by memories of my mama’s infamous Line Game (one person makes a random line and the next draws something from it, then makes a line for the next person) she played with her 8 kids and 21 grandchildren— her imagination was expressed in a multitude of ways and brought so much joy to so many. 🥰}

One week later, my dual exhibit, "BREATHE", opened at Berea Arts Council with fiber artist Cathy Vigor. We had discussed having a collaborative exhibit for years and it was great fun and a wonderful fit to show our work together, as we both find great strength, inspiration, and grounding in nature.

It was joyous to have so many locals be able to attend our show— fun and refreshing! We laughed a lot and the rich experience reminded me of the many benefits of living in a small town with many connections (old and new), love, and kindness.

Before I knew it, the summer had flown by, school started again for my son (a junior?!), and I was full swing in preparation for my September exhibition with the talented watercolorist, Deborah Slone. I have long admired her work and am grateful that Kate Savage c/o Arts Connect was able to procure this opportunity for us to exhibit together. As the title, "Inspired By Nature" reflects, both Deborah and I create work that stems from the profound beauty and energy that resides in nature. 

Our work seamlessly blends and compliments the other. I am proud to have my work shown alongside Deborah’s. There is still another week to view the exhibition at the John G. Irvine Art Gallery inside the downtown branch of Lexington’s Central Bank. Please see both the 2nd and 3rd floors, as the gallery spans both! I would be happy to meet you there, if able— just message me! Viewing hours are daytime bank hours—Monday through Thursday, 9a-4p, Friday 9a-6p.

Much gratitude goes to Kate Savage of Arts Connect for bringing art into the lives of the public, far beyond opening nights and receptions (which are important and celebratory, of course). Viewing art in the public places that collaborate to showcase artists’ work enables art to cross so many paths alongside the travels of daily life. It is a beautiful relationship fostered between the Lexington community and artists and one that is mutually beneficial, for sure!

Another shout-out goes to Executive Director of Kentucky Arts Council, Chris Cathers (above), who attended the opening and spent at least an hour discussing art, telling wonderful stories, and affirming the importance of sharing our art forms with one another in community— thank you, Chris!

And although my last bit of news was supposed to be that I was participating as a guest exhibitor at the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands in Asheville, NC, for 4 public days of the market, I got stuck at home with Covid. Boo. But will work towards a hopeful return next July!

I have been working feverishly behind the scenes (the creative kind of fever, haha), creating new work to be shown at this highly acclaimed fair (works in progress).

Although deeply disappointed to not be in attendance, there is quite the perspective when such utter suffering and atrocity is happening in the world right now, particularly in the Middle East. I truly do not have words. And when words do not come, art often can express what I am feeling…

This one expresses my wish for all who are ravaged in heart and mind, no matter where in the world. (“Tucked Safely Inside”, 6 x 6 inches). (I will share more about my just-completed September Circles daily original watercolors project in my next newsletter and even more deeply in my blog— stay tuned, as many of the originals remain available…)

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May we stay close to those we love and be kind to ourselves, doing what we can to create peace and light in this world. Thank you for taking your precious time to join me here today.

MUCH LOVE, COMFORT, AND JOY TO YOU ALL, Michelle ❤️