Join us for our final quarterly show of the year at Motor Supply Co. Bistro, one of our six Jasper Galleries locations in the Midlands.
From October-December, we will be featuring the work of Michel McNinch.
Artist Bio:
Michel McNinch is a professional visual artist and art instructor based at Stormwater Studios in Columbia. She specializes in creating landscapes and works-in-series employing a realistic painting style with an interpretive approach.
As an artist, McNinch finds inspiration in the beauty around her. She attempts to paint works that will connect emotionally with her viewers. “My art is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all who love the beauty of our natural world,” says Michel.
In addition to her work as a painter, McNinch is deeply committed to art education, and has a successful history of sharing the pleasure of making art to a variety of groups. She developed an art program at District Five's Alternative Academy where she taught at-risk middle and high school students. Midlands Technical College’s Continuing Education Program awarded her Adjunct Faculty of the Year for her working teaching adults to draw and paint. The Caring Colors Program, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association and the South Carolina Arts Commission, was a favorite project. She has extensive experience teaching art to various age groups of children in surrounding schools and her private studios.
McNinch holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and an Associate of Arts degree from Midlands Technical College. Her artwork is represented in corporate and private collections along the eastern seaboard of the United States, as well as in Germany, Sweden, and the Cayman Islands.
Artist Statement:
My paintings for this show reflect my personal experiences and surroundings in several ways.
Nature and landscapes: Finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday surroundings and natural environments, I paint landscapes featuring locations like state parks, beaches, and natural landmarks. Often they reflect on the soothing and healing power of nature. In this show both studio and plein air paintings are included.
Figures/Portraits: I have always loved painting the human figure. With more than a decade of learning from drawing and painting a live model, my paintings are designed to capture the personality of my subjects through pose, emotion, and symbolism.
Wildlife and small creatures: My Stormwater Studios Wildlife series gives me a chance to elevate the animals and insects found in the environment around my studio, such as cicadas, turtles, bird, etc. to highlight the importance of these small lives in nature. Included in this theme are oysters, which have always intrigued me. They clean our water diligently while being pristine on the inside and living in the bottom sludge of our waterways. So important and so delicious.
Mandala Series: The word Mandala is used loosely here. Inspired by mandalas in general, I then take them my own way and style during evenings in a practice I call sketchbook vespers. Each is a form of prayer for me. The act of creating keeps me focused as I ponder each night’s prayers. It is very rewarding to spend time with my thoughts in a creative way.