Hippo Sculpture

Art Statement "Rock is my medium of choice because you have one chance to get it right, just like you have one life to live." Bringing rock to life is what gets Michelle's pulse going. To feel an emotion from observing the carved rock is the intention. ​ "While carving, Mother Nature's beauty of the rock comes alive from within." "Every time I am surprised at what transpires. The colors and cracks are not always predictable so I need to work with how the rock was formed millions of years ago. Sometimes it means making changes to plans well into the project." "The more challenging a piece is, the more satisfying it is to complete." Admitting it is physically demanding, she finds it quite therapeutic spiritually. Biography Born in Canada with Dutch parents, Michelle traveled to Europe frequently as a child. There she was inspired by Baroque architecture in the ornate cathedrals, and influenced by the Renaissance era and Gothic art. Michelle's combination of tool experience as a licensed auto mechanic, and knowledge of the anatomy from studying nursing geared her for sculpting torsos. She mostly carves human figures with minimal detail and a touch of similar abstract you can recognize from piece to piece. Various rocks are used such a soapstone, alabaster, chlorite, marble, jade, etc. The rock is carved using pneumatic powered chisels, rotary dremels, and grinders. Most work is done in her soundproof home studio. Besides sculpting, she also teaches rock sculpting classes. In 2006 she completed her Instructor Diploma. Michelle has participated in over seventy exhibitions, juried events and received recognized awards. She's also a member of the professional organization of Sculptor's Society of BC.