MIchele Zarb

Michele grew up living and traveling extensively throughout the United States and Canada.  Her interest in art started at an early age, winning her first art competition at age six.  After settling in Canada in 1988, Michele devoted herself to painting professionally.

Michele’s love for the rich culture and heritage of the Northern Plains is evident in her work.  Research in libraries and archives as well as personal experiences ensure her paintings are accurate.  Her favorite subject is the Plains Indian.  Michele finds their  culture, artifacts and spirituality fascinating.  She discovers endless subjects with the mystery, symbols, color and tradition of the First Nations people.

Beyond technical ability, Michele feels an artist’s biggest challenge is to evoke emotion.  To capture a fleeting moment or mood, involving the viewer in more than a photographic translation.  Her experimentation with various techniques and media keeps the work fresh and exciting, as well as allowing her to constantly grow as an artist.

Michele’s work has been accepted in international competitions in Canada and the United States.  She has been elected membership in various art organizations throughout North America.  She was the only artist in Canada accepted to the Cowboy Artists of America Workshop in Bozeman, Montana. Michele was also selected to design the 2004 Stampede Western Art Show collector pin.

Michele’s work can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, the Middle East and Japan.  Some of Michele’s collectors include Hyatt Hotels Calgary; ABC News, Washington,  D.C.;Nova Corporation; Virgin Records, NY, NY; and Lenny Kravitz, Musician.

Interviews

• Alberta Centennial Interview
  Running Time: 3m:34s - Windows Media Format
  
  
• Artists of the World Gallery Interview
  Running Time: 1m:48s - Windows Media Format
  

Throughout my life, my artistic passion has always been the human figure and portraiture.  I feel that we are related to all creatures on this earth, but will always have a special connection to people.  We see ourselves mirrored in each other’s faces. We will see qualities we admire and aspire to, and sometimes we will see qualities we are uncomfortable with. 

Loving history the way I do, it was only natural that I would gravitate towards the aboriginal people in my work after moving to Alberta.  Rather then just painting a photographic translation of the person, I strive to peel away the layers, and paint from the heart.  I project my emotional response to the individual, as well as their personal story.  Many of my works incorporate symbols from that individual’s life and culture, a personal “diary” you could say.

I can only hope that  after seeing my work, the viewer may come away with a emotional reaction to the subject, and perhaps a greater interest in learning more about the First Nations’ culture, history, and spirituality.  Many of these people have contributed so much to our heritage, but remain a mystery to most. But then again, perhaps it is the mystery of the human spirit  that intrigues us all so much.

The Art

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