Exhibiting Friday, September 17, 2010

Regardless of imagery chosen, I explore erosion and regeneration in my paintings. In the stories of lives around me, I am fascinated by the biographical threading of relationships and lessons through the course of a lifetime and the legacies we leave behind. I often personify inanimate elements as revealing the history or energy of a person.  Dresses might imply the wearer's energy or vitality rather than her physical presence. Landscape holds the history and secrets of all the people through the ages who have passed through. I consider these my painted journals writings.

Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan I took an early interest in how things are put together, by watching my father, Bill Mikesell take them apart! I like to take an object and reconstruct it by using different materials, something unexpected. It gives an object a whole new meaning, or perspective while appreciating "MY" piece of art. I think that's why I love mixed media so much!

I have an associates degree in Graphic Arts from Muskegon Community College. I ran my own business (Off the Wall Gallery) for over 10 years before moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 2002 with my husband George. I exhibited and sold my jewelry, stained glass mosaics, paintings and mixed media work at Bungalow Artworks until they closed in March 2008. I also exhibit at The Women's Center of Jacksonville. The shows including: "Lost & Found", "Figure it Out", "Surviving to Thriving" and the Women's History Month Exhibit at the Bank of America. I currently have my work at Gallery C in Amelia Island, Florida and the Women's Center of Jacksonville exhibit "On the Map".

Wildlife and nature photographer Michael Cenci has been practicing photography for 25 years. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. A craftsman by trade for the past 30 years, Michael's attention to detail has blended well with his passion in life, photography.

His work ranges from the simple to the majestic. As an avid outdoorsman, he captures nature at her most defining moments. From the delicate butterfly pearched on a flower, the powerful jaguar surveying his territory, or the bald eagle capturing his prey, Michael catches the essence of their being.

Michael hopes that those viewing his photographs will see the wonder of nature through his eyes.

My inspirations are captured from everyday experiences and travel. I love to show the beauty and sensuality of flowers and the contrast of colors and shapes in landscapes. Mostly self taught, I have studied with Susan Sarback, School of Light and Color, Sacremento; and Craig Srebnik, portrait and figurative painter, Boston. Some of my awards are local and my most recent was in a national show at Art League of Hilton Head. I paint for the enjoyment of seeing images in my mind come to life on canvas and hope others share in this with me.