This Artist Profile appeared today in Busybird Publishing's newsletter 'From the Nest: September 2013'
Why did you get into painting?
Driving through Kapunda on a holiday in South Australia I stumbled
across 'Salon Rouge', the Studio Gallery of a magnificent artist,
Jacqueline Coates. Jacqueline's sublime and breathtaking floral
paintings opened my eyes to a whole new world and my subsequent
mentorship with Jacqueline filled a creative void and gave new meaning
to my life.
What do you feel you get from painting?
Painting gives me the chance to revel in the beauty of nature – which
is my inspiration – and to create pieces which will uplift and inspire.
What do you see in nature?
I see a sacred beauty in the natural world and personality in
individual trees and flowers – I feel such an intimacy with my painting
subjects that my paintings feel more like portraits than traditional
florals and when I'm surrounded by my paintings I feel like I am amongst
treasured friends.
You had a life-changing event -- how did that affect your art?
A beautiful vision of a light-filled rose-garden following emergency
brain surgery illuminated my path forward as an artist. I could see the
world with new eyes – I feel constantly amazed by the beauty and
wonder around me and have a burning desire to share my vision of hope
and inspiration with the world through my art.
What's next?
I am currently painting a body of work entitled 'The Radiance of
Roses' – glorious rose portraits on circular canvases – with the view
of exhibiting the work and producing an inspiring gift book to accompany
the show.
What advice would you give to other artists?
Find a subject matter you are truly passionate about, because that love
will shine through in your paintings. Surround yourself with
inspiration. Take the time to visit galleries and attend workshops.
Michelle Endersby's exhibition, 'Floribunda',
is currently displaying at the Busybird Studio ~ Gallery until 14th September.