Inside the Studio: Michelle Lander Feinberg
In the vibrant world of contemporary art, few artists capture the essence of joy and healing as profoundly as Michelle Lander Feinberg. A signature member of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) and a dynamic figure in the New England art scene, Michelle's work bursts with color, energy, and emotional depth. Beyond her colorful canvases, Michelle is also a mother of five, an author, and a retired attorney—a multi-faceted life that undeniably informs her creative process. In this exclusive interview, Michelle shares her journey, the dualities that drive her art, and the power of colour in transforming grief into beauty.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Michelle Lander Feinberg :
1. Your work is described as capturing the joy and energy of life. How do you channel these emotions into your paintings, and how do you hope your viewers will connect with these feelings?
The energy of life is not always joyful, but we have a choice to use that energy to create a more pleasurable experience. I hope my viewers come away with a sense of playfulness and positivity from the bright colours, whimsical lines, and somewhat ironic words in my paintings.
2. You mention that painting is a form of meditation and that your creative force is grief. Can you share more about how this duality influences your artistic process and the final pieces you create?
Just as we have different tools to deal with grief, anxiety, and depression, I find that different types of painting processes have helped me in different ways. Soon after losing my wonderful brother, I found relief in the process of throwing paint. I needed to get dirty, to violently throw color on the canvas. This helped release the negative energy that was weighing me down. As the anger subsided, I found solace in the process of smooth, free-flowing curvaceous lines and bright colors. At times, I feel the need for a more measured approach in order to be completely focused on the process as a distraction. Each mode offers its distinct relief depending on the stage of grief I find myself in at the time.
3. Your use of vivid colors is a prominent feature in your work. What role does color play in your expression of optimism and healing, and how do you choose your color palettes?
The vibrant colors help uplift me to a more positive state of mind. It is very difficult to be in a bad mood looking at pinks, blues, and purples! For most of my paintings, I choose colors that feel right, even if they go against generally accepted color theory rules.
4. You often work intuitively and spontaneously, guided by the energy of the moment. Can you describe a specific instance where this approach led to a surprising or particularly meaningful outcome in your art?
This happens when the initially unplanned painting takes form, and its direction becomes clear to me. In my painting, “New Day,” the painting communicated its direction to me as the spontaneous markings and lines appeared to become an abstracted landscape.
5. Circles are a recurring motif in your geometric abstracts, symbolizing an eternal rhythm of revitalisation. How did this symbol become significant in your work, and how do you interpret it within the context of personal growth?
We don’t learn anything when things are easy. Each misstep can be viewed as an opportunity for growth and development, as opposed to an obstacle. I see circles as embodying this concept that we have endless opportunities to move forward and upward from our failures.
6. Words sometimes appear in your paintings. What inspires you to incorporate text into your visual art, and how do you decide which words or phrases to include?
Using words with visuals can create a mix of meanings or unexpected contrasts, making viewers think more deeply about how the two connect. This can add layers to my painting and spark different interpretations.
7. As an artist who has exhibited internationally, how do different cultural contexts influence your work, if at all? Are there any specific experiences or exhibitions abroad that have left a lasting impact on your art?
I do not find that the culture of a foreign land has any impact on my artwork. Rather, it may be a factor in which of my paintings I submit for exhibitions.
8. Balancing your roles as an artist, author, attorney, and mother of five is undoubtedly challenging. How do these different aspects of your life intersect and inform your creative process?
Of all my roles, my most important is “mom.” I have found that the days I spend in the studio, I am most able to be a more present and patient mother. Carving out time for me to express myself creatively makes me a better wife and mother. My children’s book series is, at this point, self-managed, and I have retired from the practice of law. I am very fortunate to be able to focus my time on my art career, and my family has been incredibly supportive.
Michelle Lander Feinberg’s art is a testament to the transformative power of color, intuition, and the creative process. Her ability to channel the complexities of life into her work, whether through spontaneous gestures or carefully considered compositions, resonates deeply with viewers, offering them a space for reflection and joy. As she continues to explore new dimensions in her art, Michelle’s journey reminds us of the endless possibilities that arise when we embrace both the light and the dark within us.
You can learn more about Michelle Lander Feinberg and her work via these links: Instagram: @micheidi_studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micheidistudio
Website: https://micheidistudio.com/
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