Michelle's work is an exploration into how the subtle changes to our site of meaning - the face, changes how we view a form and what those alterations mean to the viewer. The primary aim of her work is to set up a dialogue with our conscious and unconscious using narrative, deformation and representation in varying degrees to reference the human form whilst rejecting the way it is usually presented; to set up a discord between the form, surface or subject matter.
All her heads are created from direct body casts that are then altered using a number of different processes with one commonality; they are presented in a classical style in which we are used to viewing busts however all the forms have elements that are not expected. All the works make reference to historical forms by either using a clay body that has the effect of stone or a hand painted surface treatment that has the feel of bronze statues. It is important that each of her pieces are life size so we see them as classical first then the modifications made, slowly reveals itself to the viewer, exploring the fluid nature of self based firmly within societies beliefs and ideologies. Her forms are created as limited pieces using both hand-built and cast elements that are then transformed and altered.
Michelle's practice has always referenced the 'affect' our mental health has on how we view ourselves and how we interact with others. Having worked as a management accountant, stress played a big part of my her life and studying ceramics has given Michelle the avenue to explore how this unease could be visually manifested. Having studied both the BA and MA Ceramics within the University of Wales Institute Cardiff.
Michelle is currently at the end of a two year 'Next Move' placement at the University supported by both the Craft Council and the Arts Council of Wales.
