A native of New Jersey, Michelle Harpster earned her B.A. in art education and M.A. in studio art with honors specializing in watercolor at Kean University. Upon entry into Kean University, she was the recipient of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship. She had the privilege of expanding her education, traveling to Brazil and Italy, an experience that has deepened her understandings of cultures, history and art. Michelle has exhibited as both a solo and group artist as well as having had works published in various fine arts related journals and magazines throughout her career.
The Nursery
The Nursery
Painting
A red-breasted robin, a glaring owl, a scheming vulture, and a clever crow—all are charmingly decorative to the average viewer.
Most of us see birds as a symbol of freedom, or even as symbols of the future. Their ability to soar high makes them desirable for humans who cannot fly without the aid of substitute wings. Mankind has considered birds to be signs of eternal life. Many stories and folklore suggest that birds were taken as signs of renewed life, often a transition between life and death.
Throughout the ages and in early cultures of limited literacy symbolic imagery was vital in helping to spiritually enlighten. The series offers insight into a world of visual symbolism. Perceptions of various bird species often differ across cultures.
Owls are associated with bad luck, witchcraft, and death in parts of Africa, but are regarded as wise across much of Europe. A dove may symbolize remembrance or peace and ravens often associated with death can also represent transformation.
As the artist, I am drawn to the symbolism associated with these animals. For me, they act as a spiritual vessel for transition and growth. Indicative to the theme, the birds depicted allow the viewer to appoint their own symbolic meaning to the compositions.
