Interview
Michelle Hold
Michelle is German by passport, but grew up in Austria, and is now living in Italy, close to Milan. She has spent her life in the arts, coming from a family of various artists. Her background education in architecture and textile design gave her an understanding of structure and composition, which she intuitively applies to every canvas.
She has exhibited extensively throughout Europe, China and the US. Today, her work is housed in numerous private collections. She is the founder of a collective of international artists, ArtMoleto, who exhibit in public institutions throughout Europe.
Could you tell us about your background and how you started your journey in the art world?
“I started studying architecture in Austria, which was interrupted because of a call to the fashion world. I worked as a successful fashion model in Milan, Paris and New York. During all these stays, I always took private painting lessons or participated in art courses. I then studied textile design in London, subsequently working actively in Milan as a textile designer, before finding my feet in abstract painting. I think that each experience has added a new dimension to my paintings, which embody the structured layering of architecture and a trained understanding of the minute differences in colour hues.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I see my paintings as energetic devices, that bring hope and positive vibes into people’s homes. With the help of balanced color and strong brushstrokes, I aim to connect the viewer with the universe, where all is energy.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Abstract artists give confirmation to my work, but I don’t find inspiration in other artist’s work. Instead, I believe that the painting process happens by connecting to ‘the field', very much like a channeler tunes to something bigger - incomprehensible to the vast majority of people.”
“Nature is my muse, its form and colors, but the driving force behind my paintings is emotions; my emotions, my inner voice and balance.”
How would you describe your work?
“My paintings are a balance between aesthetic contemplation and poetic narrative; abstract, energetic, dance-like movements on canvas, expressive, positive, striking, emotional, and lyrical. I construct layer by layer and in the end, every painting contains a rich history. For me, this process corresponds with the way I have built and experienced my life, moving from one ephemeral moment to the next.”
What is your creative process like?
“Coming to the studio centered and without expectation allows me to have a conversation with the canvas. A mark is made in response to another, and another. I prepare my canvases very freely with many layers and expressive signs. For a start, I only decide on the color scheme I will use, and then I allow myself to be inspired by movement and forms and colors that encounter each other. It is free creation. I have the knowledge of how to balance colors, space and structure from my work as a textile designer. Painting is a wonderful journey, not always knowing where it will lead.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I see our new society moving to accept and work with emotions and feelings, and connect with each other on a deeper level in that way. So as an artist, I love to make my emotions and dreams visible on canvas, hoping that it will result in the viewer opening their minds and starting to explore their own inner being.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My latest solo exhibitions have been:
'Dance me to the Beauty' View more here
'Turning Inside' View more here
'Color is calling' View more hereMy previous exhibitions in museums include:
2018 'Philosophical Thoughts' at Parete Art Museum in Napoli, Italy.
2016 'Koinè' at Museo Ricci Oddio in Piacenza, Italy.
2014 'Premio Janua' at Museo St. Agostino in Genova, Italy.
2013 'Rosso Vivo' at Science Museum in Turin, Italy.
'Il Sogno dell'Acqua' at Museo Tavernole in Brescia, Italy.
2012 'Premio Normanni' at Museo d'Arte Contemporanea in Palermo, Italy.
‘Biennale di Venezia’ a Torino Palazzo delle Esposizioni curatela Vittorio Sgarbi.I am also proud to have been chosen for many collections on Saatchi Art.”
