MICHELLE WEDDLE

There is a strong influence of the theatrical in my recent work; ideas are often ‘staged’ by the kind of dramatic lighting I experienced as a child growing up in London, entertained by plays and musicals. In their individual way, each painting eventually develops into a merging of two-dimensional ‘props’ and three-dimensional ‘reality.’

First I introduce the viewer into a seemingly ephemeral and intimate moment of solitude as in the beginning act of a play, where a lone character stands and awaits the other’s arrival. Stay a little longer and I allow the viewer the possibility to become part of an unfolding story that for some is purely pleasurable, for others bittersweet; ending unwritten.

My hope is that after much deliberation one begins to sense that the environments created are not quite ‘accidental’ but the celebration of moments too orderly and formulated to be anything but divinely inspired.

Born in Houston, TX, Michelle Weddle lived in 5 different cities around the world before turning twenty-one. The extraordinary life-experiences of traveling around the world, seeing many West End and Broadway plays and musicals and living in such visually stimulating cities as London, England and New Orleans fostered a love for the arts and a cultural awareness at a very young age that has translated into a unique perspective as an artist. Her recent whimsical and vaguely narrative work is inspired by a wide variety of styles and contemporary painters, Asian and 19-20^th century American textiles, botanical prints and paper designs, childhood toys and familiar landscapes. Michelle has participated in solo and group shows in Austin, TX and in Denver, CO, where she currently resides.