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Username: mspiziri
Member Since: June 2009
Member Since: June 2009
Hydes, MD United States
Artist Michelle Spiziri cites her Aunt Christine as a mentor and admiringly recalls that, “She got me involved at an early age in arts programs where I excelled in cartooning - drawing space creatures, circus clowns and the likes.”
Michelle gre...
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| Gender: | Female |
| Artist Statement: | Artist Michelle Spiziri cites her Aunt Christine as a mentor and admiringly recalls that, “She got me involved at an early age in arts programs where I excelled in cartooning - drawing space creatures, circus clowns and the likes.” Michelle grew up in Lancaster County, PA and graduated from the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design before going on to the Maryland Institute College of Art where she received her Bachelors of Fine Art Degree. She earned a certification in art education from Towson University after which she spent several years teaching art in grades K-12 and also worked with at-risk youths. “In art school, I realized that my art was different than most,” says Spiziri. “I soon learned not to just copy the masters but start painting from my own heart.” Still, Michelle pays homage to the likes of Amedeo Modigliani in her early works. Michelle’s imagery stems from her imagination. She also draws on personal experience for subject matter but lets a painting forge its own path into existence. Her works can be dark and raw abstractions of, as she puts it, “the feminine experience - the truths of my life explored in private, personal moments over the years. My Circle Head art embodies the vulnerabilities, pride, love and emotions of everyday life. Love can be painful. You learn to make judgments, to admit insecurities but also to forgive and live simply and joyously. My works are snapshots of ordinary things in the moments when we find ourselves alone and uninhibited.” Spiziri’s edgy imagery has become more lighthearted and whimsical. Her signature characters are colorful personalities whose animated gestures give them a precarious visual balance. A savvy businesswoman, Michelle also spearheads Spiziri Art Group providing original artwork to businesses, interior designers, and serious collectors. She has worked as a set painter on the TV show Homicide and various commercials. She’s had a variety of solo and group art exhibitions in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and received the People’s Choice Award for best painting at the Sowebo Festival in Baltimore. Spiziri owned and operated Galerie Michelle in Lancaster PA for three years until the recent economic swoon, among other factors, sadly contributed to its demise. “My corporate experience in sales, advertising, and even the medical field has given me added insight into human behavior that affects my art,” she reflects dauntlessly. Once you understand Michelle’s compassion and recognize her mastery of conveying an emotion, you can’t help but see things her way. |
| Education: | 1995- art education certification, Towson University 1992- B.F.A. Maryland Insttiute, College of Art 1990 graduate from Pennsylvanis of Art and Design, |
| Awards & Distinctions: | Bets of show SoWeBo arts festival Baltimore 1990 |
| Professional/Teaching Experience: | art teacher k-12 1995-2000, |
| Exhibitions: | yes, through out PA and MD |
| Artist Tags: | animal portraits, birds, children boys & girls, paintings on canvas acrylic, illustrative art, whimsical |
