Gina Michelle

I hold a BA in Fine Arts from the University of South Africa (Unisa), and my current work marks a significant evolution in my practice. After years of focusing on smooth, monotone, organic shapes, I reached a point of stagnation that demanded a shift toward the sensory power of texture and colour.

My "Float" series is the result of this transition. While I maintain my signature technique—working with pastel on cartridge paper through intensive rubbing—these new pieces explore a more vibrant, internal landscape. The process is meditative, acting as an outward expression of an inner thought process.

I am particularly captivated by the interplay of light and shadow. In "Float," I explore how light interacts with surface texture, mimicking the way sunlight bounces off the peaks of water ripples. To me, these works evoke a sense of weightlessness—as if viewed from above—capturing a moment of suspension and ethereal calm.