Acrylics artist, Michele Rudder, says a career as a registered nurse and in retail helped inspire her paintings that depict the emotions of women’s lived experiences. “You’d be amazed at the intimate stories people told me about their lives,” she said. “As a woman, I could relate to their emotions. As an artist, I wanted to share their challenges and stories along with my own.”
The French-born, Peregian-Springs based artist has exhibited across south-east Queensland. Her work explores the journey of the emotions throughout life, such as joy, connection, loneliness, tough decisions and loss.
“Some of my paintings have touched on difficult topics like leaving domestic violence but people still say to me, ‘when I look at your art, I feel happiness’ and that’s what I want.”
Michele’s paintings will be displayed at the WINDO International Women’s Week Festival, March 3-9. Her solo exhibition titled ‘Le Passage de la Femme’ opens at The J Noosa on March 4 with a French-themed soiree. She will also exhibit at ‘Illuminate: Contemporary Landscapes of Women Imagined’ at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, alongside a host of talented local female artists whose mediums include sculpture, fashion, new media and film.
Both exhibitions are open free to the public throughout March. For tickets and information, visit www.windowomen.org
