24 x 24″
Encaustic mixed-media unframed cradled wood panel
$569.00

Artist Statement

There was a tree. I would drive by it almost every day, in all the seasons, in all types of weather. But the tree remained in place. It became a landmark in my life for the 16 years we lived in the area. At one point my camera met the tree too, and it became immortalized. But despite my connection to the tree, it remained nameless.

A facebook post revealed the dominant quality a family member assigned to me- steadfast. Really? Steadfast, I thought? Not creative or interesting or any of the other things I could hope to be…. And years passed without a second thought to being steadfast.

The tree image reappeared recently out of the blue. This time when I looked at it I saw myself in the tree. Older. Steadfast. And then I saw the beauty in steadfastness.

For this series I wanted to depict the tree again and again, in all types of weather, seasons and feelings. The tree remains- rooted in place and space. STEADFAST.

Artist Bio

Michelle earned a BFA many years ago, and recently became an art therapist, and continues to teach high school art (for over 16 years). She facilitates visual expression and healing through her new business, Abide Art & Therapy, located in her backyard studio. Michelle resides in Chilliwack with her family and grand-dog Piper.

Find Michelle online:

Website: michellevandyk.com
Instagram: @michelle_vandyk.