Print Council of Australia Graduate Award
Michelle is a Melbourne based artist, specialising in printmaking, photography and alternative practices.Her work is deeply influenced by her experiences of traumatic memory. Michelle’s work is a profound exploration of her life experiences, serving as a direct documentation of the transformational journey that unfolds as she processes them. She uses art as both a voice and a method of healing. Her work is raw, visceral and honest, and bravely crosses boundaries most would dare not to. In doing so, she aims to normalise difficult life experiences for everyone, and therefore her healing process becomes a light for others to do the same . On a practical level, Michelle employs this explorative process to push the limits of her chosen mediums. Her work is experimental and intuitive, and carries a certain confidence through its authentic approach.
This project employs experimental print-informed techniques to explore the effects of touch – or the absence of it – on the human experience, by utilising thermochromatic ink to visualise and reflect on the profound impact touch has on our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The work invites contemplation on how our actions – or lack thereof, can affect those around us, including loved ones and strangers we encounter.
It addresses how creative expression can provide an empathetic understanding of experiences related to trauma and mental health issues. Through this exploration, the project aims to foster a deeper awareness of the significance of touch in our lives and its broader implications for our relationships and well-being. It relies on art’s ability to convey affect, offering opportunities for empathic reflection without the need for a specific narrative. The emphasis will be on how these temperature-sensitive elements alter the visibility of the artwork, engaging viewers in a dialogue about perception and change.
