Michaela Rinaldi

SOTA Selective

Artist's Statement

I choose to work on fairly large canvases enabling the full emotion to evolve with ease. I feel stifled and confined when working small scale. Colour is intense, and is dictated by mood. This is moving from a more monochromatic palette to that of a bolder more primary coloured one as my paintings change and my style matures.

I love how the human form; in its movement and stance can depict so much feeling and emotion. This is a common theme running though my paintings. The relationship of the softer more organic forms juxtaposed with stonger geometric.

I keep my canvas uncluttered, I strongly believe less IS more. In some of my work, texture dominates, others, color and subject matter. No piece is preconscieved. Inspired both internally and externally by a mood or feeling, the artwork evolves unconsciously and chanels through me and onto the canvas. The less I control the process, the better the outcome. It’s a trust and a letting go.

I paint becaue I love it, its my therapy and my happy place. I am inspired by the people I love and the environment in which I live. Inspiration is giving up complete control, and trusting in the moment.

Currently I am experimenting with rollers and sponges, charcoal and pastles. Acrylics are paint of choice, as colour dries quicker so as not to interupt the creative process. Playing with texture, to add another dimention to my work. I srtive to capture the fluidity and movement of the mood or emotion in my quick and decicive brush work. It can take anything from two to five hours from start to completion.

I do not look at the canvas when drawing or painting figures or objects, I like to feel the line rather than see. Preportion is of no interest to me, its all about capturing a feeling of a movement. The influence of modenisim the abstract expressionist movement and street art is also prevalent in many of my paintings.
I prefer not to offer a narrative for my paintings, my wish is for the viewer to experience it through their eyes only, the painting becoming their personal experience. My process is one of feeling and the painting just evolves, a feeling that is true and cannot be described.

I am just the channel through which the paint flows

Biography
Interview

Selected Exhibitions:

2012
Youngblood, Cape Town

Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
I recently went back to the Irma Stern museum, as my son had to go for a school project. I love her passion which s clearly visible in her work. Her use of color and bold strokes I find inspiring and her portraits are quite beautiful.

Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?
Sad to say, I have not attended much lately, but hope to make more time for exhibitions this year.

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
My family, friends, the environment in which I live.

Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about?
Coffee and quiet. Often in the afternoons, my 6 year old son joins me in my studio and we paint together.

What do you like most about being an artist?
Painting is my happy place. Art for me it is a freedom and a therapy. It is accessing a deep unconsciousness from where only purity and truth come. It is both euphoric and liberating

How do you handle bad days when you experience artist's block?
I let it be. I focus my energy on marketing my work, going to a gallery or exhibition, networking, or just taking time out. The less pressure I put on myself, the sooner I am inspired.

What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
Letting go and trusting the process.

Do you feel that you want to make a difference to the world or in people's lives? If yes, how?
I paint to make a difference in my life, but if people can also get something out of my paintings, that would be great.

What are your plans for the coming year?
To spend as much time creating as possible, keep living my truth.