It's true love when two things happen: you want to spend a lot of time together, and you're always discovering something new. That's how I felt about making jewelry for 30 years, and now it describes my decade-long passion for painting with encaustic, cold wax, oil, pigment stick, and graphite. I'm still learning about both mediums, which means freedom to experiment, to make mistakes that become part of the creative toolbox, and to continue the search for inspiration and enlightenment.
My influences are minimalist in nature. Mark Rothko. Carmen Herrera. Lucio Fontana. The Vignellis. Ronald Hayes Pearson. Ellsworth Kelly. Agnes Martin. Buddhism. The Bauhaus design aesthetic of 'less is more'.
After a long career in the wholesale and retail fine craft arena, followed by a move back to my home state of Maine, I now design and produce a small, concise jewelry collection for individual customers and select wholesale clients, including The Barnes Foundation, The High Museum, The Museum of Art and Design, SEE Eyewear and Fireworks.
The transition from jewelry to two-dimensional art is a lateral move and a work in progress. Recent paintings focus on subtraction over addition. The house, the horizon, and the intimate memories they evoke are often present.
Through the magic of Zoom, we can meet with our customers virtually. If you’d like a private shopping experience, please contact us and we’ll set it up at your convenience.
Micki Whelan Studio . Micki Whelan owner/ head designer . 15 Marial Ave . Biddeford ME 04005 . mickiwhelan@gmail.com . 401.749.1668