Michele Landsaat
Michèle is a writer and illustrator whose work explores the symbolic world hidden beneath the surface of visual perception. Her work often revolves around uncovering what is hidden, especially as it relates to the things we keep secret from ourselves.
Most days she can be found engaged in some sort of modern-day alchemical study, whether it is etching a new image in ferric chloride or attempting to give form to an idea or image that is niggling at the back of consciousness.
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Artist Bio
Michèle is a visual storyteller known for bringing hidden worlds to light through printmaking, book arts and paper sculpture. Most days she can be found engaged in some sort of modern-day alchemical study, whether it is etching a new image in ferric chloride or attempting to give form to an idea or image that is niggling at the back of consciousness.
Recent awards include: a 2018 4Culture Projects Grant, third prize in the 2018 Chen Bochui International Original Illustration Exhibition in Shanghai, China, the 2017 Larry Sommers Merit Award, a City Arts Magazine 2017 Summer Art Walk award winner for her Pratt Window display, the 2016-2017 Pratt/Seattle Print Arts Partners Grant, and a 2016 Artist Trust Grants for Artist Projects. She currently resides in Burien, Washington.
Artist Statement
Michèle is a writer and illustrator whose work explores the symbolic world hidden beneath the surface of visual perception. Her work often revolves around uncovering what is hidden, especially as it relates to the things we keep secret from ourselves. Sometimes what is revealed is a gift and other times it may involve something frightening or painful. The stories she creates speak to an underlying and universal vulnerability, yet they are simultaneously whimsical in nature.
Every component of the books and images is significant, such that the process, materials and design are metaphors for the actual content. The alchemical and slow process of creating illustrations using the technique of etching mirrors her approach to storytelling. There is something unpredictable and transformative that happens during the process of creating both a written story and an etching. Invariably, each invigorates the other in unexpected ways. Tiny pieces of cut paper adhered during the printing process (chine collé) create subtle tones and contribute to the delicacy and fragility of the imagery.
Michèle Landsaat is represented in Helena, Montana by 1+1=1 Gallery. Her artwork is always available for viewing during regular business hours at the gallery located at 434 N. Last Chance Gulch. Please call 406.431.9931 for more information about Michele’s work.