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B O U T T H E A R T I S T
Peter Michelena is an L.A. native and graduate of Art Center College of Design. While at Art Center studying Illustration, Michelena developed an interest in photography that would eventually become the foundation for his future work. Initially, Michelena focused on shooting fashion, greatly influenced by one of his instructors, fashion photgraphy icon, Paul Jasmin. Jasmin exposed Michelena to classic image makers like Avedon, Horst and Lartigue. Michelena found he had great admiration for not just the great fashion photgraphers, but also early photographers such as Steichen, Steiglitz and the pictorialists of the 1800's. Michelena was fascinated by the tools and techniques that allowed a skilled photographer to control and manipulate the image and began to explore ways to combine the craft of photography with his painter's sensibilities. He tried bleaching and toning the image and experimented with alternative processes like liquid photo-emulsions applied to salvaged surface materials. Michelena's work received many accolades was published by Art Center, recognized for it's inv- entive techniques and skillfull execution. After graduating from Art center in 1991, Michelena began his career as a photo- illustrator, creating distinctive album cover art and movie posters. For the next ten years, Michelena worked with many of the major record labels and movie advertising agencies, producing stunning art work for album packages, such as virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai's, Sex and Religion and movies like Apollo 13 and The Rock. With each new project, Michelena continued to push the boundaries, ever evolving, as he continued to develop and refine his unique style. In 2000, Michelena shifted his focus to fine art and opened Melrose Lightspace in West Hollywood. Melrose Lightspace is a unique, 1600 sqft. multi-use studio, createdto support the local artistic community as well as provide resources to charitable causes and those who support them. In the ten years since opening, Melrose Lightspace has hosted numerous performances and art exhibitions, and continues to feature some of the most original and talented emerging artists in the L.A. area. Michelena's personal work debuted auspiciously in 2003 at the Soho Gallery in Studio City, CA. The series consisted of large scale mixed media pieces, created using antiquecameras. The subject matter ranged from life size nudes to iconic scenes of Maine and New York City. Immediately the work began to sell and had sold out within the first six weeks. Michelena quickly developed a following of celebrity patrons as well as serious collectors. After several successful years with Soho, Michelena decided to take some time off, focusing his energy on the studio and teaching through Scholastic Advantage Enrichment, an organization providing supplemental art and science education for children in L.A. area ele- mentary schools. In early 2009 Michelena returned to making art. Continuing with his philosophy of experimentation, his most recent work employs encaustic- painting with melted bees wax, applied to dreamlike images. Michelena explores the idea of visualmemory as a catalyst for emotional experience. The images are strangely familiarscenes of day to day life viewed through the minds eye. With this series Michelena often chooses to start with a color image, which he then slowly glazes with layer after transparent layer of subtle color. The resulting works are powerful and hypnotic, gently drawing the viewer in, inviting them to expore their own subconcious thoughts and feelings. Michelena's work may be viewed by appoint- ment and is available in a variety of sizes and formats. Please inquire for details. |