Cecile Michel is a pencil artist specialising in drawing everyday objects in detail, but with an added little quirk.
Her series Nostlagia is on display at 16 McMillan Grove, Paynesville, during the East Gippsland Winter Festival every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm and will help you reminisce about trinkets of your childhood, or your family homes.
You will be able to view some older works as well as works in progress and ask questions.
Told at an early age that drawing wasn’t a job, Cecile was ushered into economic studies and got a business degree, then later qualified in fashion design and fashion business.
At the age of 40, she revisited that longing desire to draw and gifted her first pieces to family members.
“After being noticed by locals and getting an offer to display my collection, even though I didn’t even have one yet, that was the confirmation I needed to throw myself fully into art,” she said.
“On a down day, the act of drawing something quirky or amusing will lift my mood, and for a few hours of concentrating on that area of paper, the world will be a happy place.
“My aim is to provide people with art pieces which will also bring them gratification, will start conversations, and bring nostalgia and humour to their home.”
The common theme of Cecile’s drawings is the balance and contrast of life and natural elements.
“I love looking at the different aspects of humanity and nature and the complexity of our own character and behaviours with a cheeky twist – because life shouldn’t be taken too seriously,” she said.
“As a young girl growing up in the French countryside, I looked forward to our monthly trips to the big city to look at gadgets and nick nacks.
“I remember fondly the office desk of my papa covered in novelty items such as house shaped eraser and animated pens. I found that lightness and humour necessary in life to deal with the everyday hustle.”
IMAGE: Cecile Michel’s Paynesville pencil drawing studio is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm during the East Gippsland Winter Festival. (PS)
