Michelle Bolitho is an emerging photographic artist who has been behind the lens of a camera for more than 25 years. Her She Is series springs from 2020 COVID-19 lockdown with her two teenage daughters. Here, in the seclusion of the home surrounded by the uncertainty of a global pandemic looming, Bolitho drank in her young women’s evolution from ingénues to potent feminine warriors. During this time, the topic of female-hood became worth investigating and the artist’s exploration of the female gaze through the eyes of female photographer began by taking multiple photos to reveal all the emotions that transforming from child to woman discloses.
Images illuminating the freedom of girlhood, the power of female sexuality and the uncertainty of self were taken, manipulated and reinvented as Bolitho’s artistic voice began to sing under the guidance and support of one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most influential artists Janine Daddo. Water became a fluid metaphor. Flowers blossomed, covered and became coveted. Lips and limbs were gilded and sewn. Texture grew as Bolitho’s artistic endeavour developed.
As an ever-expansive creator of all things beautiful and with an unwavering commitment to bringing the joy of art to all through supporting up and coming artists, Janine Daddo is proud to be one of Manyung Gallery’s leading artist and the first Manyung Gallery Mentor. Manyung Gallery’s inaugural mentorship program sees her at the helm of innovation and steering the creative ship towards a world where all things are possible for mentee Michelle Bolitho.
Janine explains: “Mentoring is a two-way street and you get as much from the person you are mentoring as you give. When Manyung Gallery owner Sharyn Wemyss-Smith came to me with the idea of mentoring this time last year, I said yes straight away. I see Manyung Gallery as being the connector between experienced and emerging artists on the Mornington Peninsula and want to be part of that. I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt from my time with Michelle is that fear and self-doubt can be problematic. You’ve got to be able to take a leap of faith and make happy mistakes. It’s really important to let the work grow organically, and not control everything. And don’t hesitate! I have a million ideas in the forms of words, titles, drawings and thumbnails swirling around me, then I take one of them to the canvas and let it evolve as I go.”
Exhibition opens
Saturday May 1st, 12 - 4pm
Manyung Gallery Art & Design
6/35 Progress Street, MORNINGTON
For all artwork and exhibition enquiries, please contact Sharyn
sharyn@manyunggallery.com.au
0419 595 222
View virtual exhibition & available works HERE!
Words by Liz Rogers.