I am a gestural abstract artist, taking my cue from nature. My work is at once personal and universal, like looking out a window and seeing life through my own point of view, but knowing others will have their own unique response. I am particularly influenced by the colors and energy of nature and the ever-changing environment. Line, color, shape, and movement all invoke feelings, daydreams, longings, and collective memories. In working abstractly the work is never fixed, but dynamic—one can see infinite relationships. My paintings are organic, yet honed: Spontaneity and energy are just as important as deliberation, composition and application of materials. In working large, I realize the reach of my own physicality and fully immerse myself into each work of art. Look closely, and step back too. It is paint after all; but the fact that its application onto a single surface can reach the deepest part of our psyches is nothing short of a miracle and I long to be part of that transcendent experience.
Education
Bachelors of Fine Art, UC Berkeley
Certificate of Completion, Multi-media Studies,
San Francisco State University
Current Representation
Michelle Bello Fine Art @sloanmiyasatofineart, San Francisco, CA
Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA
Industrial Center Building: 480 Gate Five Road
Studio No. 306c, Sausalito, CA
Affiliations
Simon Breitbard Fine Arts
DZINE Gallery
Ruby Living Design
ICB Artists Association
O’Hanlon Center for the Arts
Mill Valley Art Commission, Commissioner (1998-2000)
Benefit Auctions (partial list)
Limelight Foundation (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
Art For AIDS (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
PARCA (2018)
Educational Tall Ship (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015)
CASA (2017, 2016, 2015)
Juries
O'Hanlon Center for the Arts, juror: "Something About Lines"
Mill Valley Milleys Awards juror (2015)
Mill Valley Fall Art Festival juror (2013)
Select Exhibitions (partial list)
"Creativity Takes Courage" featuring Willy Heeks, Katy Kuhn, Mark Erickson, Charlotte Bernstrom, Gustavo Rivera
Robert Green Fine Arts, Mill Valley, CA (July/August 2020)
"Three Visions" with Silvia Poloto and Aondrea Maynard, Ruby Design, Mill Valley, CA (September-November 2019)
"Introductions" SLATE contemporary, Oakland, CA (July 2019)
"Water Music" DZINE Gallery, San Francisco, CA (May 2019)
"New Currencies" Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery/JPG @ The Bank, Lafayette, CA (March 2019)
"Flora/Fauna" (group exhibit), Jen Tough Gallery, Benicia, CA (February 2019)
"Make Your Mark" with Krista Harris, Gallery 111, Sausalito, CA (October 2018)
Art San Diego represented by Jen Tough and Opus Art Collective, San Diego, CA (October 2018)
“Windows and Waterfalls” (two-person exhibit), Joyce Gordon Gallery, Oakland, CA (April 2018)
“Winter Brings its Own Delights” (solo exhibit), 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, CA (January 2018)
“Inter/Actual” (two-person show), Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA (March 2017)
“En-gaged” (group show), Studio Shop Gallery, Burlingame, CA (November 2016)
“Bay Area Women Artists” O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley, CA (August 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012)
Art Market San Francisco, represented by Simon Breitbard Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA (April 2016)
Bay Model Visitors Center (solo exhibit), Sausalito CA (July/August 2013)
Thomson Gallery (solo exhibit), Sausalito, CA (October 2012)
“Collective Actions” (group exhibit), Marin Community Foundation, Novato CA (September 2011-January 2012)
“Dennis Hare & Friends” (group exhibit), Gallery 111, Sausalito, CA (September 2011)
“Marin Masters” (group exhibit), Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley, CA (January 2011)
“Ways of Seeing” (group exhibit), Marin Arts Council, San Rafael, CA (October - November 2010)
“Surface/Tension: h2o” (group exhibit), Gallery 111 and Bay Model Visitor Center, Sausalito, CA (June 2010)
“Abstract Works on Canvas” (group exhibit), Robert Allen Fine Art, Sausalito, CA (February - March 2010)
“Inside Out—Bay Area Abstract Artists” (group exhibit), Marin MOCA, San Rafael, CA (February - March 2010)
Marin Civic Center (group exhibit), San Rafael, CA (May 2008)
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (Monotype Marathon), San Jose, CA (2007, 2006, 2005, 2004)
Artisans Gallery, San Rafael, CA (Best of Show February 2007, Merit Award October 2007)
Sonoma Plaza Center for the Arts, Sonoma, CA (September 2007)
Marin Arts Salon, San Rafael, CA (May 2006)
142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, CA (April 2005)
Fun and Notable
Marin County Fair 2014 SPECIAL AWARD: Acrylic painting
Williams Sonoma Curated Art, Featured Artist, (2013)
Film Set “Paranoia” (2013)
Dwell Magazine Home Tour (Featured Artist) 5 Hillcrest Mill Valley, CA (2012)
California Home + Design Magazine (Featured Artist) (2012)
The ArtList (Artist of the Month) (2010)
Studio 306c: celebrating a decade at the historic Industrial Center Building