Michelle Kurlan - Artist Studio

My intent is to convey the examination of daily thoughts and routines through art. My work focuses on layers of thought, vision, and personal space through the use of paint, digital media and actual space. I have created large installations, which invite the viewer into a protective environment. The viewer becomes a part of the installation when they enter the atmosphere that I have created. Irony is an integral part of the work, which is depicted through the use of tangible objects in a new element. The participant is invited to relate to the work through the discovery of these common everyday materials such as: umbrellas, cookie cutters, and personal pages from my organizer. In digital work, I use photographs, which have been altered through layers of drawing and writing. The use of common materials encourages the viewer to see them in a different way.

The materials and ideas in my work have transformed through the use of personal symbols. Umbrellas are used in all of my work as a symbol of protection. In my most recent installation I washed my organizer files, as if to wash away the past. I have attempted to wash the ink off the paper, which has left patterns and designs. The viewer is still able to read a large amount of the information, but some of it has been rained on (by acrylic medium), crumbled, glued together, or even painted. The clear organic forms represent the things, which we cannot see. They were created using repeated motions of tearing, cutting, and gluing. In a recent digital project typical New York scenarios are looked at such as Times Square, the subway, garbage on the street, and even a sunset. The viewer reads one thing, but sees something different. I would like to continue developing my installations and combine it with digital art. The combination of both physical and cyber spaces takes the art into new dimensions. My goal is to find various ways in which to express my feelings by creating an environment that others can experience.