QUALIFICATIONS:
- Matric - Central High School, Beaufort West, South Africa, 1991
- National Diploma Fine Arts - Free State Technicon ~Bloemfontein, South Africa, 1994.
- Diploma Jewelry Design & Manufacture - Bloemfontein Technical College, South Africa, 1994
- Merit Award- Free State Technicon Bursary, 1994
- National Higher Diploma Fine Arts - Free State Technicon ~ Bloemfontein, South Africa, 1995.
COMPETITIONS:
- Freshford House Drawing Competition, Regional, Bloemfontein, 1994
- San tam Bursary, National, Finalist, 1994
- Volkskas Atelier, National, Finalist, 1995
- Bathurst Art, Regional, 2 x1 st Prize, 2 x 2nd Prize, Best-on-Show, 2011 & 2012
Exhibitions and Galleries currently representing Michelle:
Since taking part in Prestige Students Exhibitions in Bloemfontein Michelle has been included in numerous group exhibitions in Beaufort West, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Alfred, Graaff-Reinet, Victoria West, George etc. Her qualifying solo exhibition was in 1995 and she has had solos every year or two since. Three Sisters Guest Farm exhibits her work permanently, rotating every 4 months. As Michelle's roots are in the Karoo her paintings are available in art galleries in Loxton, Beaufort West, Victoria West and Worchester. Currently galleries in Langebaan, Wellington and The Cape Gallery in Cape Town represent her.
Michelle's artwork has been acquired by collectors from many countries, and shipping is available worldwide.
Look for "KarooFaerie" on lnstagram and Facebook. New paintings and illustrations are posted regularly on her social media, along with events and the background to each piece.



Artist: MICHELLE HAMMAN-WRIGHT
Title: Nuwekloof Langeberge, Route 62
Size: 45.5 x 61 cm
Media: Acrylic on canvas
ID: 27115
Price: R 9 800 Unframed
|
 |


Artist: MICHELLE HAMMAN-WRIGHT
Title: Deur die randjies, Karoo
Size: 30 x 60 cm
Media: Acrylic on Canvas
ID: 27761
Price: R 2 450 Unframed

I grew up on the beautiful farm Three Sisters, in the Great Karoo, which is my inspiration. Since holding bottles for
'Hanslammers' and feeding chickens as a toddler I have happily done farm chores and been immersed in sheep farming. My sisters and I went to boarding school in Beaufort West, later I studied in Bloemfontein, and I've lived in many places, but my true life is on that piece of Karoo land. Walking in the veldt, bumping along tracks in the farm bakkie or gazing at glowing sunsets has imbued my mind with the landscape.
From 1999 to 2001 I travelled and worked in Europe, where I realized dreams to see the art museums, galleries and architecture there. The artworks of old masters and exhibitions of highly skilled living artists greatly added to my education. As I was backpacking, I could only fill sketchbooks (now treasures) and work in Watercolors, of which a number of paintings sold in the United Kingdom.
The psychology of art and its influence on humans - & vice versa- also interests me. As part of my studies, I had to lecture in History of Art and assist first-year students in painting. Occasionally I address the public at events or exhibitions and have given practical lessons in low-cost art projects to the disadvantaged communities. I have worked on several projects in the business sector where I had to plan, organize and execute murals, advertisements and posters together with fellow artists as well as the personnel of the businesses concerned. I found it to be a satisfying challenge. Since March 2008, I have been giving art classes and Workshops for adults - beginners, intermediate and advanced - which I find stimulating and very rewarding.
Fairytales & mythology has fascinated me since voraciously reading through Beaufort West's library as a learner. I researched Celtic Mythology & Fairy Tales while travelling in Europe, and I collect vintage Illustrated books. I enjoy making mixed water media Illustrations for Fantasy books, collectable cards as well as botanical illustrations.
So far, my life has been adventurous, and I've been fortunate to see many beautiful places, but the Karoo and South Africa has great scenery. Thus, the body of my work are landscapes, with a smattering of flowers, abstracts and gardens. I portray the mountains as characters, farmsteads as the homes of my family & friends and the windmills as symbols of life-giving water. Spitzkoppe and flat-topped mountains, boulders and plains, Shepherd's huts and old farmhouses with their hard-won gardens are my favourite subjects. I want to make people fall in love with the tranquility and majesty of the Karoo and encourage tourism to this magnificent part of South Africa. The Karoo has had 11 years of harrowing drought and farming is more difficult than ever with mega-farming, disinterest from the government, 'Fracking' and drugs infiltrating farming communities. Paintings of the Karoo can record beloved farms and countryside; maybe bring visitors, businesses or young farmers to the region.
My primary medium is Acrylics as the paint's speedy drying & ease of handling suits my temperament Watercolors also fascinate me, and I enjoy the challenge of this unpredictable medium. As hobbies I enjoy sculpting figurines and jewelry in Polymer clay, Tie-dye or illustrate on T-Shirts, and breed and collect roses
With the star-cross icon accompanying my signature on my artwork I dedicate each piece to God. I'm married to a hardworking, MTB fanatic and we have a loving, wonderful son and a beautiful, strong daughter. We reside in Worchester, travel to the farm whenever we can, and count our many blessings.
By Michelle Hamman-Wright |