Artist: Michelle Guitard
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 30''x 36''

Bidding on this artwork will take place at the Live Auction event, Friday, April 4. Tickets available at the link at dvsa.ca. Absentee bids can also be placed in advance – request a form at the school office or email bid@dvsa.ca.

Artist Statement
An emergence of the female figure in black and white, appearing stone-like, begins a visual language of dualities between the conscious and subconscious, shadow and light, fragmentation and integration, vibrant colour and greyscale, triumph and fragility. Conceptual contrasts are furthered by strong symbols, motifs, and ornaments. The snake represents the divine feminine, protection. The ravens come to her as messengers of prophecy and insight. Orchids fall around her bearing aesthetic contradictions of fragility, sensuality, and purity. Weaving both realms of dualities manifests my only way of seeing and making sense of the world.

Biography
Michelle Guitard is a Canadian artist born in the 60s in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is currently living in St. George, Ontario, while spending time painting in France, Mexico, Spain, Ireland and Morocco. 

For the last 10 years, she has owned and operated Art and Soul Creative. She teaches extensively throughout the world and from her studio in St. George. She facilitates monthly weekend art workshop retreats in Collingwood, Ontario, as well as art retreats in San Miguel Mexico, Italy, France and Morocco. She also spends much of her time mentoring students through her monthly mentorship program. 

Michelle was accepted to the prestigious 6-week Artist Residency in Orquevaux, France in April of 2023. She was awarded the Denis Diderot Grant and Emerging Artist Grant for this residency. She has recently been awarded a spot at The Westcove Estate Atelier Artist Residency in Ireland for May 2024. 

Michelle studied Fine Arts/Graphic Design at the University of Guelph, York University, and Georgian College. She also holds an addiction caseworker diploma from the University of McMaster.