24 Works on Paper Artists: Michelle Himes-McCrory

To give insight into the works included in the 24 Works on Paper exhibition, Ryan Pack has interviewed some of the participating artists about their work in the show. The exhibition is now at the Eleanor Hays Gallery at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. It will continue there until October 14. 24 Works on Paper will continue to travel the state through August 2010.

Michelle Himes-McCrory
For those of you who created portraits: Why have people inspired yourpiece? What is it about portraiture that interests you?
I started incorporating portraits into my artwork after I discovered an old family album for sale at an antique store. The dusty and unwanted album, depicting lost memories, was shrouded in mystery. It piqued my curiosity about who the people were, what their lives were like, and why their photos were abandoned. Each photograph adds another piece to the puzzle, revealing clues about other people's lives and how they are connected to the time in which they lived.

Would you care to tell us about the technique you used for your piece? And why the technique appeals to you?
Printmaking has been a dominant part of my artwork for almost a decade. Woodblock printing, the oldest printmaking technique, has a rich history of tradition. I like to focus on the process of carving the wood, scratching the copper plates, and the detailed mark-making in each image. While printmaking is deeply rooted in old techniques and customs, there is always an opportunity for me to try something different and explore new ideas.