BIOGRAPHY
Born in Subiaco Western Australia in December 1962.
Raised in a very creative household as my father was an artist and always involved in creative projects, painting and writing children’s books and had a puppet show on tv called “Warrabindi” about the adventures of a little aboriginal boy.
After having some small success after finishing up at art school in 1985, my artistic career was cut short after my partner died in a work accident.
This event changed the trajectory of my life dramatically, and my focus on producing art shifted to working at paid employment, and painting less.
Whist always continuing to paint in the background, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, and following my recovery the realization of what is really important in my life resulted in devoting the majority of my time to my obsession with painting.
CV
NAME Michelle Over
ADDRESS 105 Deakin Street
Collie 6225
Western Australia
PHONE 042 802 2826
DATE OF BIRTH 12th December 1962
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Studied art at T.AF.E level and earlier
Attended art classes at Forrestfield Technical
College Western Australia
1982-1985 Claremont Art School
Diploma of Fine Art
(Painting Major).
Studied for the three years but did not finish.
Attended painting and drawing workshops and Master
Classes whilst studying at Claremont.
EXHIBITIONS
17th June-17th July 2017 Watch this Space Group exhibition Collie Art
Gallery.
17th-28th October 1990 Exhibited at the new Beach Gallery in Fremantle
Art rage.
20th August-2nd Sept 1989 Exhibited in the Sir Charles Gardiner
Hospital exhibition.
3rd-31st Sept 1989 Three person exhibition “Flying Colours’ Group
exhibition at the undercroft gallery University
of WA alongside Rick Vermey and Dereck Tang.
12th-17th Feb 1989 Exhibited in the 9×5 exhibition and auction at the
Undercroft gallery WA.
29th-30th Oct 1988 Exhibited in the Darlington Arts Festival.
10th-23rd July 1988 Exhibited in the Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital
painting exhibition.
3rd-19th June 1988 Exhibited in the first anniversary show at the Beach
Gallery Northbridge WA.
January 1988 Invited to donate a painting to be included in the Curtin
University collection WA.
13th -31st March 1988 Exhibited at the Gomboc Gallery sculpture
exhibition.
7th-28th October 1987 Solo exhibition at the Beach Gallery.
8th-29th May 1987 Exhibited in the inaugural opening group show
artist coop Beach Gallery.
9th-31st March 1986 Exhibited in Gomboc Gallery sculpture exhibition.
1985 Exhibited in the Albany Art show.
November 1985 Invited to exhibit in group exhibition at the inaugural
opening of the Transitional gallery Bunbury WA.
1985 Exhibited in third year graduation exhibition at Claremont Art
School.
COLLECTIONS
Robert/Janet Holmes a Court Collection
Curtin University Collection
University of W A Collection
Numerous private collections
STATEMENT
Through my art, I strive to create a vivid and emotive experience that transcends traditional boundaries. The use of color is a fundamental element in my creative process, as it allows me to convey a wide range of emotions and evoke powerful responses from viewers. Colors become the voice of my innermost thoughts, desires, and dreams.
Inspired by the raw intensity of expressionism, I seek to capture the essence of fleeting moments and profound human experiences. Expressionism enables me to convey not just what we see on the surface, but also what lies beneath- the complexity and intricacy of our inner worlds.
Embracing a naïve artistic approach allows me to tap into a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity, unlocking a limitless realm of imagination and creativity. This innocent perspective enables me to break free from societal conventions and preconceived notions of how things should be, giving rise to a fresh and uninhibited artistic expression. By embracing naivety, I invite viewers to glimpse the world through a different lens, one that is unencumbered by the constraints of adulthood, encouraging them to reconnect with their own sense of awe and wonder.
In my earlier artistic practice, I delved into the realms of myth, dreams, the unconscious and the paranormal, weaving together a tapestry of imagination and symbolism.
Drawing inspiration from ancient mythological themes for some of my work, I explore the timeless narratives that have shaped human consciousness throughout history.
In my more recent work, I concentrate on the modern life experience, catching moments and people going about their daily lives, the Zeitgeist, the spirit of our times!
In combining the use of color, the power of expressionism, and a naïve artistic approach, I want my artwork to spark emotions, provoke thought, and serve as a space where individuals can explore the depths of their own emotions.