Michelle Behr

In the Mezzanine

 

Artist Statement

Created using untraditional methods of analog photography, the series encourages the artist and the viewer to look at the world from a different, sometimes unexpected perspective. Inspired by death, loss, grief, and other pandemic related experiences she explores the complex process of letting go. This series acknowledges the complexity of grief with a nod to healing, and “The End” celebrates these endings in a unique way. Michelle loves to bring a viewer to a deeper place of introspection with a glimpse of possibility. She wishes to connect people to each other as we all recover from a time in history that has been difficult for everybody. This series acknowledges darkness more than my previous collections, but I felt it was an important time to show the balance. Finding light in the darkness has been a central conception of all her gallery projects, and this one leans a little bit more into the honesty of struggle.

Artist Biography

Michelle is currently based in Kelowna, B.C. and came from Vancouver originally. She loves Kelowna and watching the community grow. Her artistic medium is experimental film (analog) photography on canvas prints in different sizes, often using the end of the roll of film and unique development processes. She is inspired by mental health advocacy and giving a voice to the healing power of art. Michelle loves putting art into action. Artistic achievements range from fine art film photography in the “Hope Card Series” to digital photography services mainly in the wedding industry at Memorable and Vibrant Okanagan Photography, and the “Into the Light” documentary with Telus where she explores men’s mental health through therapeutic photography. Her commercial photography business has been capturing weddings, engagements, portraits, family, and event photography for the last 12 years in the Okanagan valley and beyond.