Michelle Downing at work in her studio. 76469 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Vanessa Chircop
WHEN Michelle Downing decided to give up her day job and become a full time artist she had no idea that six months later she would win a national prize.
The Williamstown resident was last month awarded the Amnesty International Freedom Art Prize. Michelle’s portrait of a Sudanese hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal won her the prize. She was inspired to paint the portrait after reading an article about the artist’s tragic childhood.
Emmanuel was taken from his family as a boy and forced to serve in the Sudanese Liberation Army as a child soldier.
When she heard the theme for the art prize was ‘What does Freedom Mean to You’ she decided to enter her painting. “It’s the first award I’ve ever won,” she said.
Michelle started painting as a child but began working seriously as an artist about three years ago. “Six months ago I took a leap of faith and became a full time artist – I used to be a full time IT manager,” she said.
“IT is the absolute opposite side of the brain – I’m just so much happier and relaxed now.
“I wanted to get into art when I left school but I got talked out of it.”
Michelle said making things work financially has been the biggest adjustment and credits her husband and two children for their support.
“Winning this prize is such a huge thing – its validation, because we never think we’re very good.” Michelle, who prefers painting with oils, said she mostly paints portraits. “I keep coming back to portraits – there’s something about the human form that I like to capture.”
Michelle will be teaming up with fellow artist Michelle Thompson to take part in Hobsons Bay’s upcoming Art in Public Places Exhibition in April. The “Two Michelles” will exhibit at the Prince Albert Hotel in Douglas Parade, Williamstown.
