Jeff Nicklason and Michelle Spiziri at 49 West

Jeff Nicklason Artist Bio

Jeff Nicklason is a lifelong resident of Annapolis, Maryland, coming and going but always returning to his hometown. Originally a long time devotee of analog black and white photography, he started painting about ten years ago as a new challenge and as a way to navigate a difficult divorce. Always self taught, he is fond of saying “I like having the distinct advantage of no prior experience”.
He has exhibited his work in many businesses around the area and has had the honor of being a cover/feature artist for Upstart magazine as well as participating in many local juried exhibitions.

Jeff Nicklason Artist Statement

Palette knives, squeegees, pizza cutters, dog combs, wire brushes and chopsticks are some of the tools I use to create what I call “fugue state art”. I guess it’s another way of saying “being in the zone” but when it happens the focus and flow are transcendent to me. Swirls, streaks and scratches come pouring out, hopefully conveying loads of joy but also a bit of pain. What I love and find so fascinating about abstract art though, is that everyone brings their own selves to a piece when looking at it for the first time. You don’t have to “get” what I am trying to say, just experience it for yourself, through the lens of your own life. I paint for myself but I hope you enjoy the work as well and “get” it in your own way. Cheers!

Michelle Spiziri Artist Bio

Michelle is an intuitive artist who works in a variety of different mediums mostly focused on painting and ceramic sculpture. She strives to create art that flirts with the lively tension of movement and rest. Stylistically she works in abstraction/abstract-ed with fantastical whimsy. Her desire for the viewer is to draw them in through a curious wonderment towards a meaningful connection to the piece.

Michelle’s work playfully sometimes morph from one story vignette to the next where there is always something new to be discovered.

Michelle graduated with a B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Later she received her art teaching certificate from Towson University. Michelle is a full time artist with an online presence who shows her art throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York with collectors spanning the Continental USA.  She resides In Baltimore county with her husband and her beloved siamese cat, Lovey.

Michelle Spiziri Artist Statement

As an artist, I am interested in what happens when color, form, movement, and shape interact with each other to create their own dialogue. Painting and sculpting, for me, is as much about self discovery as it is about visual space. I create in response to what my subconscious mind makes room for. I use art to escape from old patterns towards a freedom of love of the self- breaking the boundaries of learned and “appropriate” expression even, if first, it doesn’t make sense. I want all emotions to be present. I create a place for all the parts of myself that seek expression, even if I don’t want to see or love all the parts that make me myself, therefore unlocking hidden consciousness.

Exhibition Schedule:

• April 3 Exhibition Opens
• April 12 In-Person Reception 5 – 7 PM
• Jun 30 Last Day of the Exhibition

Their work is on display at 49 West located at 49 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401. Open daily.