Studio 88 is excited to welcome Michele de la Menardiere, an abstract painter, who will be joining us in November 2024. Discover more about her work here!
Michele de la Menardiere, a celebrated abstract painter based in San Francisco, California, brings her dynamic compositions to the global stage. She holds a degree from Chelsea College of Art and Design in London and has exhibited her work both nationally and internationally. Michele’s art has found homes in private and corporate collections, with pieces featured in prominent spaces such as the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, and the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies Program. Her work has been highlighted in high-profile public art projects like the Super Bowl 50 Artwalk and Emerge Artwalk, further establishing her as a key figure in contemporary abstract art.
Michele’s work is an exploration of the intangible—her pieces delve into emotional and spiritual realms that are difficult to articulate through words alone. “I use the abstract language of color, form, and shape to explore the elusive and transient aspects of life around me,” she explains. Her creative process is deeply intuitive, blending spontaneity with deliberate structure. “For me, painting is the continual experience of exploring the ineffable and bringing it into some kind of material form.”
Her abstract compositions are created through layers of color, gestural lines, and unexpected marks, all of which are applied, removed, and reworked through brushes, spatulas, and sponges. The result is art that feels alive—constantly morphing and evolving, much like the emotions and experiences it seeks to capture.
During her residency at Studio 88 in November, Michele plans to immerse herself in Thailand’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. “I have always been inspired by the country’s landscape, colors, and peaceful way of life,” she shares. As a meditation practitioner, she feels drawn to the tranquility of Thailand’s temples and the spirituality woven into everyday life.
Michele’s goal for the residency is to create a series of abstract works that capture the essence of Thailand, focusing on the vibrant colors of its flowers, fauna, architecture, and textiles. “Each piece will tell its own story,” she says, “expressing unique aspects of Thailand and my personal experience there.” She views painting as a meditative process and believes that her time at Studio 88 will allow her the mental and emotional space to experiment, take risks, and push her creative boundaries.
With this residency, Michele aims to not only expand her artistic practice but also deepen her understanding of the spiritual and natural elements that make Thailand unique. “Painting is a form of meditation for me,” she adds. “The opportunity to make art at Studio 88 will give me the space to reflect, connect, and create freely.”
Read more about Michele de la Menardiere on her website http://www.delamenardiere.com
If you would like to be part of our art community, Studio 88 is accepting applications on an on-going basis. Check out our residency program and apply now.
Studio 88 Artist Residency 