09/25/2026
On now at Parkside Art Gallery
Michele Kuyek – Artist Profile
Michele has always been happiest with a paintbrush in her hand. Self-taught and raised in
Pemberton, her creative instincts were shaped early by the raw beauty and quiet intensity of
the surrounding landscape. After more than 30 years in the sign industry, she found herself
creatively starved — and the call to paint could no longer be ignored.
Having recently returned from the Cariboo to refocus on her artistic practice, Michele now
devotes herself fully to painting. Her years in design and lettering gave her a strong
technical foundation, but it is freedom — not structure — that defines her current work.
Michele often approaches the canvas with only a few chosen colours and no predetermined
plan, trusting the process to guide her. She paints intuitively, allowing emotion, memory,
and movement to unfold organically. Her work explores the nuanced terrain of relationships
and feelings, capturing moments that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Over the years, her subjects have ranged widely — from musical sets and stagecoaches to
driftwood and unexpected found objects. Her artistic compass remains broad, guided less
by trend and more by what moves her in the moment. She enjoys experimenting with
different styles, embracing change as part of her creative evolution.
At its heart, Michele’s work is about rediscovery — of joy, of instinct, and of the quiet
voice that always knew she was meant to paint.
Artist Statement
Of Two Minds
Of Two Minds is the result of a year dedicated to exploring and rediscovering my creativity.
I have always enjoyed painting, but I never seemed to have the time to fully immerse myself in it.
Painting here and there every few years was never quite enough to satisfy my creative desires. So,
without a fixed plan or any particular expectations, I decided to dive in and simply trust the process.
I knew the result might be a potluck of styles, subjects and ideas—but I had no idea what they would
be. I allowed myself to go with the flow, painting what I felt in the moment and letting each piece
unfold organically.
Acrylics are my medium of choice. I often begin with an idea and a few colours that speak to me, then
allow the story to develop with each brushstroke. I love the challenge of taking a random shape, colour
or form and transforming it into something that carries meaning or emotion.
I am inspired by shapes, human feelings and colour harmony. There is something incredibly satisfying
about capturing a feeling and finding a way to express it on canvas.
This collection represents the end result of my year-long journey—a year of experimentation, discovery
and, most importantly, joy. The more I paint, the more I want to paint.
To be continued…