Cover Artist Creates Stunning Sculptures
By: Pengwen
The quality of art offered at the Ruidoso Art Festival is evidenced by our cover artist this issue. The picture shows a portion of a sculpture by Misha, an exquisite 32-inch high figurative sculpted in polymer clay and titled "Grey Woman Gathering.”
The artist uses a nickname her brother gave her since he was not able to say Michele.
“I have always loved to make things, “ Misha writes. “I have sculpted, painted,, and made things as far back as I can remember. I am always creating.
“Faces intrigue me. Capturing expression and emotions in a face is like taking a moment in time and freezing it. Similar to taking a photo.
“I love Native American faces because they have such fantastic emotion in their eyes and their faces are so beautiful. I guess I sense the enormous pride they have for their ancestry and also the sadness. I am trying to bring awareness of their heritage through my sculptures. My faces come to me in dreams, and sometimes I get right up out of bed and sculpt so as not to forget the intense expression and facial features. My work consumes me.
“Each sculpture almost seems to be or have been someone. My collectors refer to their sculptures as if they are alive and part of the family. Some have customized their sculpture by having me add special artifacts and mementos to their pieces to make them even more of a treasure. These same collectors refer to their family of sculptures as their tribe. People seem to sense the passion of my work and are taken by its realism.
“My art is very personal, its as if each creation is a part of my soul. I feel very blessed that I can share my talent with the world.”
Self taught in mixed media sculpture, Misha has been creating unique figures for over twenty years. Recently, Thunderbird Artists presented Misha with the prestigious 2003 Mark Wroe Award for Excellence in Art.
In 1993 she was the recipient of the Collector's Award of Excellence in recognition of her excellence in conception, design and creation for her Native American sculpture "Rising Moon and Little Fox". Misha's realistic sculptures have also been featured in books and on the covers of national publications. Articles about her work have been included in Southwest Art, Lifestyles magazine and most recently featured artist in the February 2000 issue of Wild West.
The Museum of the American West, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico awarded Misha "Best Artist" in 1998 and has included her work in many of their exhibits. Her work has been shown at the Currier Museum, The Wenham Museum, Boston Ma., and Stricoff Fine Art in New York City. Recent awards include "Featured Artist" at the Thunderbird Artist Carefree Fine Art Festival and "Best in Show" Weems Artfest, and "Top Ten", best in her category at the 2002 Ruidoso Art Festival.
She once again will exhibit at the Ruidoso Art Fest, July 28-30 a the Ruidoso Convention Center.
Her work has decorated the White House Christmas tree and is included in the permanent Collection of American Artists at the White House. Actress Demi Moore has been a longtime admirer and collector. The late Lucille Ball, and author Anne Rice have also acquired her work for their collections. Collectors continue to be fascinated with her unforgettable faces and eagerly await her new releases.
Visit her website for more images:
www.MishasArt.com
Cover artist creates captivating sculptures
Jo
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