It’s artists like Gwyn Michael that help us remember the infinite possibility of the human spirit and it’s ability to manifest itself through art. Join us in celebrating a woman with an invisible cape and a camera with a rare super power we like to call truth.

We understand you’re raising funds for a new project. Tell us about it.

I recently changed my focus from art to environmental art, which is very exciting to me. My current work involves the landscape both as natural and as impacted by humans, and I started thinking about how I could take it a step further to actually involve environmental preservation and restoration. I have been giving to tree planting initiatives for some time, but I wanted to take it further.

Not knowing exactly how to do that I decided to create a project that would help me explore the possibilities while creating a new body of work. I see this as a multimedia project that will ultimately involve other PA artists! I am in the final week of raising funds on KickStarter.com. You can learn all about the project there: Breaking News: Artist raises her weapons to save the world!

What first drew you to your medium?

My work is digital mixed media. While photography based, I also use paint and drawing mediums in collage that is digitally produced. This was an interesting and unexpected turn of events.

My background is in graphic design and illustration. I have a BFA in classical illustration which means painting and drawing. I entered the work world, just as desktop design was taking over, with no computer skills. Over the years I taught myself computer design and had many art related jobs but never much satisfaction. I remained a frustrated painter never able to create the images in my mind’s eye to my satisfaction.

A very small inheritance after my mother’s death in 2001 led me to buy my first digital camera, as I had always enjoyed photography. I took a couple of classes in my later years of college which I loved, but had to let it go as I could not afford a dark room set up. Who knew that little two megapixel point and shoot would change everything.

It wasn’t immediate, but I slowly started taking more and more pictures with a primary fascination for abandoned structures. I was not as much interested in the decay as the tenacious presence of nature reclaiming those spaces. This led to an interest in the natural landscape and my work now moves between the two. I really embraced the work when I taught myself photoshop, and was able to bring in elements of my painting and drawing. I love this so much and find it ironic considering my failed career as a graphic artist with no computer skills.

Who/what influences your work?

I think my design experience and way of seeing draws me to work with a strong graphic nature. What I mean by that is work with more focus on shape and design than form and depth. I love the work of Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and Kathe Kollwitz and I would say they are a definite influence.

In photography the work of Minor White is most obvious as he covers the same territory, but I am also very attracted to Joyce Tenneson’s portrait work. I think I am influenced by her aesthetic even though I don’t do portraits. My photoshop ‘go to’ is Julianne Kost, Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist for Adobe. (Yes, that is her real title.)

My greatest muse, however, is the landscape be it urban or rural.

What’s the greatest compliment you/your work has ever received?

My friend Theresa once said that my work feeds her soul. I can’t think of anything better than that, short of saving the world which is on my list. :)

I recently asked my Facebook friends to give me three words describing my work and the most repeated were poetic, evocative and surreal. It makes me most happy if my work touches people in an emotional way. I think that is true of most artists. We want to make a connection.

How do you stay motivated when inspiration runs dry?

I can’t say motivation for making art ever really runs dry. I have a long list of ideas and potential projects to turn to when I need to switch gears. I also do various crafts and casual drawing as a form of meditation when I need to reduce stress or wind down.

We’re all about positive reinforcement and community spirit. Any recent achievements (large or small) you’d like to share and celebrate?

I had work accepted in two juried shows recently and won an award at one. I have two pieces in City Hall as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, and I just picked up two that were featured in the 7th Annual Juried Art Show at the John James Audubon Center. One of the latter won the Nature Award which is second to Best of Show. [See 'Biding Her Time' at the top of this page.]

If you could only use one word to describe your work, what would it be?

Passionate.

What are your hobbies and passions (outside of your work)?

I dabble in many things. I am an avid reader both fiction and non-fiction and also like to write a bit. I do yoga, knit, garden, cook and love to try making new things. If it involves art and craft supplies I will try it.

What do you enjoy most about being a Pennsylvania creative?

I was born in Pennsylvania and have lived here most of my life so it is my home. I have traveled a fair amount and love many other areas of the country too. Each place has its own appeal. As a lover of landscapes I’d say that the lush green of our summers is a favorite aspect. I also love Philadelphia for the food and art and being just big enough for loads of culture – but small enough to navigate easily.

Who are your favorite Pennsylvania indies?

I have too many to list but I must give a nod to Tara Gentile of Scoutie Girl because she has been a huge support and inspiration to me.

Learn more about Gwyn and her mission to save the world…