Michelle Anderst Melds Flora with Human Anatomy for "Gifted" Exhibition

"Venous Rose"
8" x 10" oval
Oil on Canvas


Along with 7 other talented artists, we have the pleasure of having Michelle Andersts' work in our gallery for the "Gifted" exhibit that runs through December 23rd, 2011. Anderst grew up fascinated with anatomy which she largely attributes to her dad's work as a ultrasound sonographer. She used to visit him at the hospital and pour over his anatomy books. She continued her passion for anatomy and has since then combined her artistic skills and scientific interest and earned her Certificate in Natural Science Illustration from the University of Washington in 2010. Anderst has exhibited in our gallery in past years and continues to be a favorite of ours. She moved back to Medford, Oregon (where she grew up) but we still think of her as a Seattlite and she will be coming up for the Encore Artist Opening on Friday, December 9th from 6-10pm.



"Aortic Petals"
8" x 10" oval
Oil on Canvas


With this series of work, Anderst melds flora with venous and bone anatomy to create an other-worldly feel. This unusual pairing when studied, becomes more familiar to the viewer, as you start to realize that Anderst is purposely coupling similarities between humans and nature. The venous attributes of human anatomy with venous structure of floral anatomy. Her paintings become a strange and beautiful statement on the interconnectedness of life on this planet.



"Garcinia Stomata"
8" x 10" oval
Oil on Canvas


In the piece below, "Commelina Transistor", she takes it one step further and conjoins cellular anatomy and compares it to a mechanical computer board. This is an elegant illustration of cellular and technological communication.


"Commelina Transistor"
8" x 10" oval
Oil on Canvas


To get the full effect of Andersts' detailed handiwork, please come by the gallery Wed - Fri from 12pm - 6pm. Or better yet, come meet the artist on Friday, December 9th.

Bherd Studios Gallery
8537 Greenwood Ave N | Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

POW featuring Michelle Anderst

Our featured Piece of the Week (POW) is a beautiful and strange amalgamation of the cochlea and orchid.


"Auricular Apparatus"
by Michelle Anderst
12" X 16"
Oil on Canvas
$385

This piece is currently being exhibited in our gallery as part of the "Inside Out" show that will be up through Friday, November 5th. Auricular Apparatus is a perfect blending of the organic and mechanical that Anderst is so well known for. I am particularly drawn to this piece by the spiral shape of the cochlea backdropped behind the blooming orchid. Both the orchid and the cochlea bring about a delicate look with the mechanical apparatus and circuitry balancing out the piece with an industrial feel. Maybe this is a machine that is meant to hear the beauty of nature. Perhaps it's needed in this world, as many of us have lost our sense of union with nature? Or could this simply be a reminder of how nature and human anatomy reflecting each other.


Artist Statement:

I am currently exploring the relationships between organic structure, such as bones and beetles, to man-made structures that achieve the same functions using similar structural elements. One example is the end point of a circuit, called a lead, located on a computer board looks very similar to a nerve cell ending called a bouton. Both structures serve the purpose of communicating electronic signals but one is built by man and the other occurs naturally. I use wallpaper in my compositions to enhance and compare the elegance that I see in bones, veins and nerves. I want viewers of my artwork to think about the patterns and beauty in these parts of our bodies instead of seeing them as a reference to death.

I have learned thus far that my paintings are a direct result of my experiences as an only child. My childhood was spent in an environment free of unnecessary stimulation with many afternoons of solitude and quiet. Instead of watching television I poured over my father's anatomy books. At the age of 9, I took it upon myself to memorize all the bones in the body because they intrigued me. I spent much of my time preoccupying myself through observation which led to the depiction of scenes filled with solitude, self reflection and nostalgia.



Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

Hours: Wed - Fri from 12pm - 6pm + private tours by prior arrangement.

"Inside Out" Artist Reception, Oct 8 from 6-10pm featuring Anderst, Sheridan & Vollan

Come by tonight from 6-10pm and meet the artists for this months art exhibit "Inside Out".

Presenting the urban contemporary work of Seattle artists: Michelle Anderst, Chris Sheridan and Joe Vollan. Each artists work is themed around the inner workings of the mechanical, human anatomy and the soul.

The opening reception is held in conjunction with the 2nd Friday Monthly Artwalk in Greenwood-Phinney as well as with October’s Arts Crush festival.




Anderst explores the relationships between organic structure such as bones, veins & nerves to man-made structures such as circuitry and computer boards. She’s known for pairing “the insides” with old fashioned vintage wallpaper which creates an unusual feminine elegance to her compositions.




Sheridan’s work explores the essence of humanity and the soul. His work depicts scenes from myths and folklore that teach about morality, as well as delving into the insights of human nature. His strong illustrative background provides beautifully crafted imagery on oil and canvas.




Vollan uses his signature style of surreal and macabre scenes that are inhabited by skeletal animals and robots to evoke a sense of wonderment, relevant to the fantastic and bizarre worlds he creates.




Bherd Studios Gallery
@ The Greenwood Collective
8537 Greenwood Ave N | Suite 1
Seattle, WA 98103
www.bherdstudios.com

Hours of operation: Wed - Fri from 12pm - 6pm

Last Night at FlatColor Gallery & Deli Boutique: Augie Pagan & Michelle Anderst

We had the pleasure of making it out for 1st Thursday and amongst the highlights were Augie Pagan's work at FlatColor Gallery & Michelle Anderst at Deli Boutique. I'm posting up a few teasers for you all that haven't had a chance to go check out the shows. You really must go see their work in person!



To get more info on the show, check out their website: FlatColor Gallery



Here's a couple fav's of ours from Michelle Anderst showing at Deli...




Both Deli & FlatColor feature urban contemporary art and focus on highlighting Seattle artists. We're big fans of both venues and hope that you'll stop by and show your support to them and the artists!

Michelle Anderst Exhibit and Custom Tee at Deli

Here's a stop that we won't miss this 1st Thursday at Deli Boutique in Pioneer Square! Michelle Anderst is showing "Victorian Articulations" series and a new custom designed Tee shirt which is part of Deli's artist line. Stop by and have a glass of champagne! Deli is on 1st and Yesler (close to the 619 building), the artist reception goes from 6 to 9:30. Be sure to come out and show your support and buy a fresh artist series tee!