My Story
Artist Statement
Many of my artworks symbolize the feeling of "Coming Home," flying into the embrace of loved ones. The vibrant colors and subtle textures evoke a wide spectrum of emotions associated with being surrounded by those you cherish.
"My art embodies my fascination with mystery and beauty – a delightful fusion of whimsical and joyful elements!" Michelle explains. By layering paint to create a rich tapestry from color and form, she weaves a captivating narrative. Michelle's bold and confident approach to storytelling often incorporates mixed media elements.
Awards
JUROR'S CHOICE AWARD, Quinte Arts Council | 2021
2 HONOURABLE MENTIONS, Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association | 2021
OUTSTANDING ABSTRACT, Belleville Art Association | 2017
BELLEVILLE MAYOR’S CHOICE AWARD, National Air Force Museum of Canada | 2016
Solo Exhibition
L&A Museum solo, “Resonance” | 2016
Juried Exhibitions
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Autumn Art Sale 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 (Online)
John M. Parrott Gallery 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 (Online)
Rosedale Art Fair |2018 | 2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024
Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021| 2022 | 2024
PEC Studio Tour 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 (upcoming!)
L&A Studio Tour 2023 | 2024 (upcoming!)
Buckhorn Festival of the Arts | 2021 (online) | 2022
Quinte Arts Council, Expressions | 2021 | 2022
Selected Group Shows & Art Fairs
One of a Kind Spring Show | 2019
One of a Kind Winter Show | 2019 | 2020 (online) | 2021
Juniper Island Art Festival | 2021 (online)
L&A Hospital |2017 | 2018
L&A Library |2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020
Art at the Lake |2016 | 2017 | 2021 | 2022
Art Among the Ruins |2017 | 2018 | 2019
Schomberg Street Gallery | 2022
Shuttleworth Farms Arts & Crafts | 2022 | 2024 (upcoming!)
Michelle was born in Toronto, Ontario, and later moved to Sharon, Windsor, and Welland with her family due to her father's job, before returning to Toronto where she spent most of her adult life. A self-taught artist, Michelle honed her painting skills learning from her mother, Rene O'Connor, and her sister, Danielle O'Connor Akiyama, both accomplished acrylic artists.
Michelle pursued graduate and post graduate studies in Computing Technology in Education at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Following a career in corporate and instructional communications, Michelle and her husband looked forward to retiring near The County to dedicate herself to her art full-time.
Drawing inspiration from nature, Michelle creates abstract floral pieces that convey a sense of possibility. Her work often explores themes of grief and hope, wrapped in a mantle of optimism. Michelle finds artistic influence in Cy Twombly for his unrestrained artistic expression and Charles-Marie Dulac for his enigmatic and divine touch. Viewers connect deeply with Michelle's use of color. Her artwork "Voices" relates the discovery of the graves of indigenous school children in western Canada and was honored with a 2021 Quinte Art Council's Juror's Choice Award.