The unpredictable delights of color, light and form are skillfully explored in the creations of Michelle Neifert. Her richly layered experiments with paint, charcoal and French pastels produce art that fills the eyes with vibrant hues. Her flair for conveying the ineffable through color makes an encounter with her work a refreshing experience.
At five years of age, her imagination was set on fire by a graphic designer who was a close friend of her father. This talented soul would visit their home and draw anything she asked, on demand. By giving substance to her words and wishes, he unknowingly shaped her destiny. She says, “I was hooked. From that day on all I ever wanted to be was an artist.”
She shares that her creations are inspired by luminaries such as Helen Frankenthaler, Richard Diebenkorn, Mark Rothko and Joan Mitchell. While one can see traces of their impact on her work, Neifert's art possesses a singular vividness, reveling in a unique articulation of materials. In her hands, paint becomes a vehicle for joy, contemplation and expansion.
Overall, her art thrives in the subjective realms of feeling and experience, enlivened by an ongoing dialogue between canvas and viewer. Neifert has achieved something very special indeed, a fresh encounter with the mysterious virtues of color.
Her award-winning works have graced the walls of many galleries, shops and shows throughout the Northeast. Presently, she is an artist in residence at the Banana Factory (Studio 253). A studio visit is a great way to experience her art and process. One wall is filled with small pieces that function as mnemonic devices for future large-scale creations. This protean collective packs a punch and sheds considerable light on Neifert's kaleidoscopic world.
