Interview with Michele Knox
Michele, your work exhibits a profound connection with nature, particularly with the water landscapes around Olympia. How does the environment of Olympia inspire your choice of color palettes and textures, and how do you translate that inspiration onto the canvas?
The tranquil waters of the Puget sound framed by the majestic Olympic mountains evoke a sense of peace and reflection in me. The shades of blue from the ocean reflect varying depths and moods. The sight of sunlight glimmering on the surface makes me feel one with nature. To translate on to canvas I start with layers and layers of paint to convey the dept of the ocean and used the palette knife or my fingers to convey what I am feeling. I used different techniques to add texture. Each visit of the ocean reminds me of the intricate relationship between water and life, inspiring my artistic journey.
In your biography, you mention that spontaneity and transformation are at the heart of your creative process. Can you elaborate on how you embrace the unpredictable elements in your painting style, and what surprises have emerged in your artwork as a result?
Spontaneity is vital aspect of my creative journey, allowing me to break free from rigid structures and expectations. I believe that art thrives in moments of surprise and unplanned discovery. I allow myself to make spontaneous decisions while working. I remain responsive to the energy of the piece. Layering techniques is a transformation itself. This process of layering creates depth and complexity. Some of my best pieces comes from this transformation.
Your paintings embody a profoundly moody, atmospheric sensibility. What specific emotions or responses do you hope to evoke in viewers through this aesthetic? How does your own emotional state or mindset on any given day shape and influence your creative process?
On a personal note, I am a caregiver to my mother who has dementia. Caring for a loved one with dementia can evoke a wide range of emotions-love, frustration, sadness and helplessness, among others. I personally resonate with moody art and because of my personal history as a caregiver. I hope viewers can connect with my art with their own feelings past or present.
Abstract art often allows for a broad range of interpretations. When viewers engage with your paintings, are there specific emotions or narratives you hope they connect with, or do you prefer to leave the interpretation open-ended?
I prefer to let the viewer do their own interpretation.
Water seems to be a recurring theme in your work, whether as a subject or a textural influence. What is it about water that captivates you as an artist, and how do you seek to capture its essence and movement in your pieces?
Water holds immense significance for me, particularly in the fluidity of the vast ocean. Its calming presence soothes my inner turmoil and encourages me to reflect on life. I adore the sound of the waves and at times I translate that experience onto the canvas. Whether it’s conscious or subconscious, it is an integral part of who I am.
Many artists view their work as a reflection of their inner self. You describe your art as an expression that emerges from within. Could you share how your personal journey and life experiences have shaped your artistic voice?
My career as a molecular imaging specialist involved extensive travel, allowing me to experience the beauty of America firsthand. I channel these experiences into my painting, capturing the vibrancy and elegance of the landscapes I’ve encountered. I am self-taught with a few classes here and there, but creativity has always been in my soul for as long as I can remember. Abstract art is a manifestation of my subconscious. Its innate, I love science and art and my influence comes from both . I embrace the challenge of blending these two loves in my art.
Your art process involves collaborating with the medium itself—letting the paint, brush, and colors guide you. Can you walk us through a typical painting session and explain how you decide when a piece feels complete?
At times, I have a clear vision for my palette, while other times, I find myself simply applying paint to the canvas without a specific plan. I often work in layers, but I create a mark that resonates with me, I may choose to build upon it without layering further, I embrace the fearlessness of making mistakes, pushing through to create a finished piece. If I find myself staring at it, feeling uncertain, I take a break and step away. When I return, I can decide whether to add to or remove elements. This process involves a back-and-forth technique that I find effective.
With the layered and textured approach in your paintings, do you find yourself revisiting themes or ideas across different works? How do these recurring themes evolve over time in your art, and how do you feel they reflect your growth as an artist?
The recurring theme in my work will likely continue to be water. Overtime, I have evolved by incorporating more layers and experimenting with various techniques for texture, which reflects my development as an artist. I will more then likely always change it up as I don’t like staying in a proverbial box.
For many artists, the journey of creation is as important as the final piece. What does the journey of each painting mean to you, and how do you balance intention with the freedom to let the artwork take its own path?
The journey I embark on is one of exploration, akin to a traveler navigating unfamiliar territory. This journey shapes my intentions for what I want to express on the canvas. While the core ideas are always present in my mind, I embrace the freedom of creativity, I remain aware of the underlying rules, keeping them in the background as I allow myself the liberty to paint. Intuitively, I understand how to blend these elements together.
Looking at your work, there’s a sense of both chaos and harmony. How do you approach achieving this balance on the canvas, and what message do you hope this duality sends to those who engage with your art?
I’ve always been a yin and yang kind of person, embodying both hot and cold. Harmony emerges from the chaos, as there’s often a calm before the storm or a calm that follows it. It’s this unpredictability that fuels my creativity and, hopefully, resonates with my audience as well.
