Featured Artist: Michelle Fillmore

Michelle S. Fillmore is a photorealistic painter based in the Bay Area. She grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and graduated with a BA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2015. Sweeney-Fillmore's paintings are autobiographical metaphors that explore the intersection of the external and the internal worlds, as well as the personal struggles that are often shaped by larger societal forces. By delving into the complexities of mental health, she aims to shed light on its stigmas, and the isolation it often brings. Sweeney-Fillmore uses a meticulously controlled photorealistic style to open up a dialogue about the internal world and the emotional turbulence that often accompanies it. This dissonance reflects the tension between outward appearances and the chaotic, often surreal nature of the emotional experience. The work often takes on a dreamlike quality, underscoring the idea that the mind and society are fluid, layered, and ever-changing. Each painting is a celebration of a person’s ability to liberate themselves from their own prison, as well as the ability to change and transform. She paints themes of transformation to encourage people that change, both on a personal and societal level, is possible. Michelle S. Fillmore exhibits nationally, currently being represented by Artspace Warehouse in Los Angeles, California. Instagram: @michelle.e.f