PAYNE, Michelle

1971 - ?

Michelle Winifred Payne was born at Halesworth, Suffolk on 8 August 1971, daughter of Brian Charles Payne (22 October 1938-31 July 2008). Michelle was educated at Sir John Leman High School, Beccles, Suffolk 1984–1986 and studied at the Open College of the Arts 2000-2001, gaining an award for Art and Design followed by the Regent Academy of the Arts, London 2001-2002 with a Diploma in specialist paint techniques, then at Lowestoft College 2002-2003 and finally obtained her Diploma in Interior Design from Regent Academy of the Arts 2003-2004. A tutor at The Works, a private Art and Design School, and is one of the few elite lifecasters in the UK, and a member of the Association of Lifecasters International. Her artistic style is 'sculptural, layered works, building up layers on the canvas capturing the mood, interest and atmosphere of the surroundings' and is much in demand. Her casts have a unique application and method that is both tactile and sculptural, by capturing the human form of her sitter in their beauty and imperfections, her signature style embodies the spirit and personality of the sitter, alongside adventurous and creative paint finishes and embellishments that finish each piece as a work of art. Michelle's works were part of the UK Tour, in conjunction with the publication by award winning surgeon Elaine Sassoon, touring Manchester, Bristol, London, Birmingham and she has exhibited widely including The Assembly House, Norwich; 2 Fish Gallery, Norfolk; Blackthorpe Barn, Bury St Edmund's, Suffolk; Aldeburgh Gallery, Suffolk; Glemham Hall, Suffolk and elsewhere. From 2007, Michelle has been Gallery Manager at Upstairs Gallery, Exchange Square, Beccles, Suffolk, which was set-up by Michelle to assist and promote other artists and, due to media experience and the footfall at the gallery, The Upstairs Gallery has won seven awards since its inception. The gallery has expanded from thirty-nine artists exhibiting each month, to around ninety but is a non-profit making concern, organised by volunteers. Michelle is a Member of both Norfolk Open Studios and Suffolk Open Studios with her studio at Beccles, Suffolk.

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Works by This Artist