Inspired - Michelle Wiebe

'African Woman Cooking' by Michelle Wiebe

I'm thrilled to be able to share the new work now on exhibit at the library:

Inspired ~ The paintings of Michelle Wiebe
January  7 – March 4, 2013

Michelle Wiebe began her formal study of  art in senior high at Langley Fine Arts School in British Columbia followed by a period of study at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design before being offered the opportunity to be involved as a Pastor of Childrens’ Ministry at the Airdrie Alliance Church several years ago.  In her role at the church, she has
travelled extensively, working with children in such countries as Hungary, Turkey and Swaziland.  These travels have played a huge role in inspiring this new body of work.

She has also returned to her love of printmaking with the restoration of an antique printing press she was gifted a number of years ago. Linocuts are a printmaking technique in which a sheet of linoleum is carved with a sharp knife,
V-shaped chisel or gouge, with the uncarved areas representing a mirror image of the final printed image.  After carving, the linoleum is inked with a brayer (roller), and then impressed onto paper or fabric. 
 
“Slowly I've been building up my courage to outfit this [printing press] properly,” said Michelle.  “I'm super intimidated by it. It needs new rollers and I don't have any type to set - but the machine itself is in great condition. I'm reading up on how all this works. I know somehow I will be able to mount linocuts in there, so I'm practicing my linocutting.” 
She will be teaching a class on printmaking during the Jr Artists Program for children aged 9 to 12 at the library on May 18.  An Airdrie Public Library membership and a minimal $3 material fee is required to register.

Throughout her years as an artist, Michelle has also painted a number of personal portraits of pets and children.  To read more about her inspiration and process, please visit her blog at http://www.mw-artco.blogspot.ca.