Statement

I seek hope amidst the backdrop of loss and mourning. My artistic process investigates the ordinary aspects of life through the genres of still life, nature, and figuration, all observed through the lens of loss. In my art, I confront the irreversible desolation of time loss with family and the painful reality of losing loved ones. I embrace the promise of hope that accompanies each new day. The radiant sun and the melodic birds outside my window remind me that renewal and growth are perpetual possibilities.

A dynamic flow courses through my paintings, propelling me from darkness into the realm of light. My creations are immersed in saturations of obscurity, and grapple with questions of death and loss- some resolved while others linger, awaiting the next brush stroke. From a bird's-eye view to an ascent toward the celestial plane, my art provides an unconventional perspective, inviting viewers to join me on this journey toward hope. 

Artist Bio

Michelle Wild is a fine artist recognized for her oil paintings and, more recently, her installation-based work. Originally from New York, she developed a passion for art at an early age. At six years old, her artwork was exhibited at the Albright Knox Art Gallery, NY marking an early milestone in her artistic journey. Throughout her development as an artist, her mother provided steadfast encouragement and arranged private painting instruction, fostering her creative growth from a young age. Wild currently resides in Georgia with her son, Harrison.

Wild’s work features bold, saturated colors inspired by nature and everyday beauty, often reflecting her Christian faith. Her paintings explore themes of loss, love, and more recently hope, using strong contrasts of light and dark to convey emotional and spiritual depth. She frequently paints while praying, creating “prayer paintings” that offer a sense of hope and a celestial perspective.

Committed to serving others, Wild donates artwork for community causes and has led initiatives like The Art Exchange in Colorado. She has also collaborated for over a decade with the Georgia-based women’s organization “Peace of Thread.” Since 2012, she has been an art educator at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where she integrates faith and creativity and finds daily inspiration in her students. Her favorite experiences are those with students in a collaborative setting where one work of art is created by many. Wild loves to see creatives come together to make art.

Wild holds a BA in Art Education from Buffalo State College and an MA in Painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. (SCAD). Her work has been exhibited across the United States, earning awards in Georgia, with recent exhibitions at SCAD Atlanta (2023–2024). Her most recent solo show was held in The Tannery Row, where her largest work, a 7’ x 9’ was proudly displayed showcasing her field of sunflowers titled, “Field of Hope.”