Artist BIOGRAPHY

ichelle Selway Lampard is a self-taught painter living and working in rural Victoria. She approaches her subjects from a simplistic yet slightly abstracted perspective.

As a self-confessed people watcher, Michelle enjoys capturing the essence of human form, behavior, and mannerisms, infusing a sense of drama through bold colors, shapes, and the generous use of negative space. Her artworks reflect her personal experiences and encounters, inviting viewers to consider the greater picture and develop their own emotional interpretation, even from a brief moment in time.

Lampard’s accomplishments include illustrating books for leading publishing companies such as Scholastic Australia, Harper Collins, and Five Mile Press. She was also a finalist in the Cowra Calleen Art Prize.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I have always keenly observed my surroundings, from the reflections of color in the bush to a pensive expression on a stranger’s face.

The common thread in my work has unconsciously become the use of negative space and a limited application of brush strokes. These elements are integral to the composition, drawing attention to the subject matter rather than the background. My aim is to capture both the simplicity and curiosity of a specific moment, encouraging viewers to form their own narrative.

While immersed in the commercial realm of visual art since 2007, it is only since 2016 that I have had the luxury of time to develop a more refined and personal style. I have not been academically trained and have found great satisfaction in finding my own way with the support of clients, representing galleries, and art prizes.

EDUCATION

 1996 – 1998 Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, University of Westminster UK

CAREER

2016 – Current – Visual Contemporary Artist
2007 – Current – Illustrator/Designer for Australian Giftware and Souvenir business.
2007 – Current – Children’s book illustrator for leading publishing companies Scholastic Australia, Harper Collins & Five Mile Press.
1994 – 2007 – Human resources Manager/ Consultant to various organisations in London, UK and Australia.

EXHIBITIONS

2021 ‘Hybrid’ Mini Solo Exhibition, 19 Karen Gallery, Mermaid Beach QLD, AUS
2019 Threesome International Group Show, 19 Karen Gallery, Mermaid Beach QLD, AUS
2018 Group Exhibition, Lethbridge Gallery , Bulimba QLD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2023 Finalist in Lethbridge Small Scale Art Awards
2022 Finalist in 2022 Clayton Utz Art Prize
2019 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Awards
2018 Finalist – Lethbridge 10000 Small Scale Art Award (High Commendation)
2017 Finalist – Cowra Calleen Art Prize
2017 Category Winner – Lethbridge 10000 Small Scale Art Award
2017 Finalist – Manning Art Prize
2017 Finalist – Clayton Utz Art Prize (High Commendation)
2017 Entrant – Archibald Portrait Prize (Alan Mackay-Sim) – painting donated to Griffith University.