ARTIST PROFILE

Michele Preste grew up in a creative environment where several family members explored their artistic talents in oil painting, watercolor, weaving, glasswork, jewelry making, and woodworking. Michele explored several artistic avenues but did not find the medium that “fired her imagination” until the Summer, 2001. She always had an interest in photography but did not buy her first camera until 2001. With the increased accessibility of digital cameras, she was eager to explore the artistic possibilities of the medium. Michele was also attracted to the added dimension of the computer and photo editing software. She has not looked back, and the only thing she regrets is that she did not buy a camera sooner.

Michele is not formally trained and views her cameras as her training tools. She uses the instant feedback of the LCD monitor and the automatic settings of the camera to teach her how to interpret a scene and how to use the manual settings in the camera to achieve the desired results. Michele also attends workshops throughout the country in a continuing effort to expand her technical knowledge and artistic skills, both with the camera and the computer. Her work has received attention in regional and national competitions. Michele’s work is currently on display with the Visiting Artists Program at the law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson in Chicago, IL.

“I think the lack of formal training has allowed me to approach my photography in an uninhibited manner,” says Michele. “I try things that I probably would not if I had a more technical grounding. If something doesn’t work, I delete the file, try again, always learning from what many would call mistakes.”

“I absolutely delight in the use of the computer. I love to experiment with my pictures and often react with ‘wow, look at that’ as I layer a variety of filters and features on to a photograph.” Michele continues, “I enjoy taking a photograph and creating an interpretive painting on the computer. What I could never do with paints and brushes, I can now do with keystrokes. It is immensely satisfying to see the end results.”

Michele approaches her work from two standpoints. First, she wants to take the best photographs possible and continue to develop her photographic skills. Second, she is not afraid to experiment with her photographs and interpret her work in a way that goes beyond the traditional photograph.

Michele looks for images found in every day life -- things that others may miss but will appreciate if someone brings them to their attention. Her first subjects rose from her love of nature. “I often don’t get out of my backyard with less than 100 pictures,” laughs Michele. She has also turned her eye to architecture and the interplay of shapes and structure. Michele also looks for subjects that convey emotion, from simple delight to serious reflection.