Currently I live in Corisca (France), the tiny island with a rich history and magical character.  
In my discovery of the island's natural beauty - what the sea, wind and people leave behind
becomes my art.  Similarly, while living in Paris I collected bits and pieces of city existence,
looking for ways to express the colliding yet beautiful relationship between man and
nature.  Always creatively involved in community I have worked as a children's art teacher,
artist assistant, set painter, mural tour guide, and florist.  It was during my teen years near
Chicago that I began to blossom as a distinguished artist.  Graduating with a BFA from
Laguna College of Art and Design and a MLA from Naropa Unversity in Oakland, CA
furthered my proficiency in Fine Art, Cosmology and Spirituality.  Creativity is a great
blessing and will be eternally part of my life.

MICHELLE E KORTE LECCIA   
                                       Artist Statement

My work is an expression of an intimate relationship with the wondrous universe.  The
exploration of human existence as prime mover and dreamer unfolds as I transform visions
and layers of varying realities. Building upon everyday objects I suggest metaphorical
concepts- seeking meaning and beauty in the mundane, wishing to inspire a dance
between that which is human-made and the organic creation of nature.  

I have developed a preference for collage, texture and miscellaneous mediums. I paint and
assemble on a variety of surfaces, including boxes, windows, canvas, and paper.  Whether
it is on the city streets or pebbled beaches, the activity of searching for objects is a
precursor to and extremely integral part of my art-making process.

What I hope do to with my work is inspire the viewer to embrace the magic and mystery of
life, to reflect upon our collective relationships and become immersed in the vast
experience of cosmic creation.

About La fin de l'hiver




























































This series was made last year during the winter months in Paris.  At that time I was living
near the enchanting Butte Chamounte in the 19th.  A little creek that meanders through the
park became a daily fascination as I watched it freeze in layers- each day a different
expression, another feeling.  In the streets that perimeter the Butte laid thousands of
pieces of debris, everyday like the ocean's tide, unusual specimens and curiosities are left
scattered about.  La fin de l'hiver (The end of winter) illustrates the development of  subtle
layers of emotions, reality and the relationship between nature and the city.


About Mountains – Majestic, Midnight Moon, and River











































































While living in the Bay Area of California I was impressed by the eminent beauty and
pristine of the surrounding water and mountainous landscape.  I began experimenting with
paper-mâche and plaster to emulate the depth of texture in the rugged topography.  Moons
and mountains re-occur in my work- these are things that have persisted over time, they
have intrinsic memory and should be revered for their wisdom.

MICHELLE E KORTE LECCIA