Interview
Michele Knox
Michele Knox is a multifaceted woman, who has pursued two great passions throughout her life: science and art. While she came to her art later in her life, she imbues it with her creativity and unique point of view. She grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and while she didn’t pursue art in her younger years, she always remembered an art class in middle school that made her feel the spark of something special.
In her 30s, she moved to Las Vegas and pursued a career in radiology, specializing in CT and MRI imaging. While she loved her work, Michele always felt a pull towards art and respected the knowledge and creativity required in scientific fields. She continued to dabble in art throughout her life, taking only one more art class before getting married and focusing on her career. Eventually, she found herself settling down in Olympia. In 2022 after an injury resulting in needing to take 6 months off of work last June, a friend of hers said, “Now, you have time to paint,” and so she did. She picked up a brush, and hasn’t stopped since. Only recently did she discover that her mother always wanted to go to art school, she just couldn’t afford it. Art and expression also run in the family her paternal grandfather liked to draw and her mother wanted to enroll in art school. Michele quickly integrated herself in the art world, walking herself straight into Olympia Lamplighters, a local art studio/Gallery. She struck up a conversation with Gab Kalfen, the gallery curator, and through a small series of conversations, she had her art featured in the gallery’s window display, and on their Instagram. Soon after, Michele took an online course, where she met her mentor Cheryl Wilson, who has also become a good friend. Michele’s relationship with Olympia Lamplighters has resulted in the sale of two works of art, and her first 2 commissions pieces. She’s was featured in a publication for minority women in the art world. Numerous exhibit showings of her art and winning competitions. Michele's art is a reflection of her inner self. She never knows what she is going to paint when she begins, but the paint, brush, and movement guide her along the way. She loves listening to indie rock or mood music while she works, and lights candles to create a calming atmosphere. Sometimes, she finishes a piece in half an hour, and other times, she finds herself in the studio for hours. Her art and expression are very much spontaneous, she only gives the painting exactly what it needs. While she might not always know how long it will take, she does know when it’s done. Michele is a strong user of both her left and right brain, because of her love of both science and art. Her inspiration comes from both sides of that spectrum. From Einstein and Tesla to Rothko, from Marie Curie to Sebastian, and of course her mentor Cheryl, she draws inspiration from everywhere. Michele has lived all over the country, but when she arrived in the Pacific Northwest, she knew it was home. When she isn't working or creating art, Michele loves to travel to see the world.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“In my hometown, Louisville Ky, I was in my art class in middle school. I did a portrait of a classmate - that was my first spark; then 30 years later, I was living in Las Vegas and enrolled in a professional art class for one day. I came out of there with such a high because my instructor couldn't believe that was my first time painting an oil landscape. I knew then that I would come back to art in some fashion. But between those two moments, I did digital art on my phone and would paste it on cups and t-shirts calendars etc. and sell it to family and friends. I always thought I would retire and paint but I was in Olympia WA and was recovering from shoulder surgery when a friend told me to pick it back up again while I am recovering. I haven't stopped since that moment which was two years ago in 2022.”
What inspires you?
“Nature inspires me. The fog, ocean, trees, sky - all of it makes beautiful art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Something that relates to my mood at the time. I can be angry at the political climate or I just want to relax and enjoy life. It depends on the climate of the world.”
How would you describe your work?
“You will see dreamy paintings with an edge. Also, I love layers, and texture painting and a pop of color with black and white!”
Which artists influence you most?
“Cheryl Wilson, my mentor. Mark Rothko, and Sebastian and his use of colors.”
“You will see dreamy paintings with an edge.”
What is your creative process like?
“Layers and texture; I use a lot of water on my painting with alcohols and ink also. I like to see what path water takes me on, I love to see brush strokes in my paintings so that the viewer can see the brush journey I took.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of an artist in society is multifaceted. Artists serve as cultural interpreters, reflecting the values, beliefs and struggles of their time through their work. They challenge norms, provokes thought, inspire creativity, and contribute to social change. additionally, artists provide entertainment, emotional resonance, and aesthetic pleasure, enriching the human experience. overall, they play a vital role in shaping and enriching society's cultural landscape.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have a current exhibition: African American art, B612 at 1915 1st Ave S Seattle. My past exhibitions include: New Beginnings, B612 at 1915 1st Ave S Seattle.”
