The Animal Saints of Michelle Waters

If you follow Eclectix then you are familiar with Michelle’s critters- embodiments of the our animal kingdom, cross-dressing as popes, nuns and saints. An active animal lover, her subjects portray emotional projections - angry disdain for human abuse or calm & hypnotic spirituality. Sometimes they regard us with sad mistrust and distaste. 

“My "religious animals" paintings are a reaction to the ubiquitous fundamentalist religion in America as well as the idea propounded by most organized religions that animals have no souls. Some of my animal characters have founded their own religion, complete with nuns, popes and televangelists.” 

LINK: Michelle’s Website & Portfolio

LINK: To the Eclectix interview with Michelle Waters

This was originally published on the homepage of Eclectix, 

in the Iconic issue, Feb. 2012

For the Iconic online exhibit, click here. 

"Hello, Tomorrow" at The Hazel Wolf Gallery in Berkeley

Not being able to make the opening of Hello, Tomorrow, we stopped into the Hazel Wolf Gallery this week. The exhibition contains works which comment on the state of our world - either environmentally, politically or socially. 

The Brower Center asked Bay Area artists to respond to David Brower’s quote: “Have a good time saving the world. Otherwise, you’re just going to depress yourself.” 

We were very impressed by a number of works, especially the above piece by Michael Kerbow, Their Refinement of the Decline. 

Mark Bryan's Mad Tea Part Duh was a joy to view as well, everybody's in there!

Michelle Water's Global Warning was not new to us but certainly great to see again.

Jeff Long's Farallon is a large and spectacular avian watercolor.

And Anthony Holdsworth's SF garden scene was gorgeous - full of saturated colors and shadows.

Ruth Santee's machine-bug-beetle in pen and ink was wonderful.

There were a number of other pieces (all below), more conceptual, abstract as well as traditional, many mediums and styles. A pretty good view - if you are in the hood, of downtown Berkeley, stop in to see it. The show will be up until Sept. 2nd, 2011.

Artists include: Mari Andrews · Timothy Armstrong · Claire Brandt · Noah Breuer · Mark Bryan · Hagit Cohen · Alicia Escott · Lisa Espenmiller · William Harsh · Ryan Hendon ·Anthony Holdsworth · Grant Johnson · Michael Kerbow ·Kimberlee Koym-Murteira · Alexis Laurent · Jeff Long ·Viviana Paredes · Ruth Santee · Judith Selby Lang and Richard Lang · Esther Traugot · Michelle Waters · Stephen Whisler

Eclectix Artist Interview: Michelle Waters

A new interview with fantastic local artist, Michelle Waters...

Can you tell us where you were born and a little history about your childhood? 

Born and raised into an artistic family in the San Fernando Valley. I was always restless there and knew that I’d leave when I got old enough because we’d go on vacations to beautiful places where there was more nature. My grandparents where social justice activists, also my grandfather was a painter... to read more go here.

"Mischief" Art at Studio Gallery, San Francisco

Sheri DeBow's piggy perfection- one of her best dolls, so far

Dropped into Studio Gallery to see the current exhibit "Mischief", a group exhibit with so many past Eclectix artists it felt like a flashback. The show has a lot of pieces, very reasonably priced, mostly on the smaller side. There was a series of large glitter fashion model type paintings which left me bored and a number of others that lacked a necessary spark. On the plus side, there were quite a few wonderful pieces, mostly by artists whose work I know and love, some new to me that were awesome as well. An eclectic show, lots of styles, tons of critters, a lot of birds especially. Something here for almost anyone's taste from more traditional studies to loud cartoons. Posted here are the cream of the crop (the ones there were room for...). Go see the show  in person and enjoy the mischief. (thru August 15th)

Chris Beck's fun watercolor ducks

Koji Nagao's had a knock-out trio of childlike doll sculptures

Lindsey Latimer's expressive and dynamic "Fun With Voodoo"

 Christine Benjamin's always energetic sweet, colorful and quirky pieces

Chad Frick's flora and fairy tale world grabbing us in 

Michelle Water's classic penguin beauty contestant, showing it... 

Missy Feigum's new bold. wild bunnies provided some needed mischief...

Chiami Sekine's poetic, achingly beautiful deers

Cameron Chung's loose painterly perfection

Rebecca Peter's awesome owl