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Artist tracks 'pathways' from South Africa to the Northeast
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Berenice Michelow of East Longmeadow is an international artist who seeks to inspire thought in her artwork. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
EAST LONGMEADOW Sweeping canvases of oils and pastels and tools of the trade surround Berenice Michelow in her basement studio as she draws and paints what inspires her.
An accomplished artist renowned for her dramatic works and sensitive portrayals of life in South Africa, Michelow has found her way in America by pounding the pavement to art galleries across the Northeast.
Berenice and Maurice "Cecil" Michelow are originally from South Africa, and expect to become U.S. citizens next July 4. Maurice is a retired physician and Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Since arriving in the United States in 2004 to become closer to their children, Michelow has made many friends in the art community stretching from Gallery 137 in Indian Orchard to galleries in New York. Her upcoming show is titled "The Persistence of Form," being hosted from Oct. 1 to 21 at the Agora Gallery in Chelsea, N.Y.
During a recent afternoon interview in their home that is dotted with artifacts and artwork from their homeland, Michelow said she has been drawing and painting since childhood.
"This is a full-time occupation, it is not something I do," she said. "It is a way of life. I paint everyday when I can."
Michelow describes her paintings as reflections of three phases of her artistic life.
"The first phase was my art during the apartheid years in South Africa including protest art," she said, adding, "the second phase was my personal artistic vision and response to the dynamic evolving democracy in the new South Africa."
Michelow explained that in South Africa, each exhibition she did was a "social comment of the time" and was painted to a particular theme. She noted her early works were abstract but as she became more "politically aware" of issues, she realized she needed recognizable imagery to relate to the viewer.
When the couple left South Africa, Michelow had to leave her silkscreens and etching press behind. She now paints in oils on canvas, large pastels on paper, or does drawings in charcoal on paper.
"The third phase is my work in America and consists of my impressions and experience since emigrating here," she added. "I was strongly aware of the overwhelming patriotism throughout the country."
Her latest work is titled "Pathways" which is a statement on choices.
"These can be our own personal choices," she said. "There are choices involved with stem cell research, choices in dealing with the problem of global warming, choices in voting for a new president, the war in Iraq, and how the leaders choose to deal with Iran. There are many more pathways."
Michelow noted her subjects are always the important events of the times because that is what inspires her.
Her overall message is to stimulate interest, open "pathways" and inspire thought.
"I do not profess to give answers, I merely try to create pathways," she said.
As she and her husband travel extensively to set up shows and sell her artwork, their favorite time is still spending it with their family members. Their family includes Diane and Richard Friedberg of Longmeadow, Ian and Michaela Michelow of Boston, and Bryan and Raizel Michelow of Cleveland, Ohio.
"We miss South Africa but this is a wonderful country," said Michelow, adding, "plus we now all are on one continent."
For persons interested in more information on Michelow's paintings, visit www.michelow.com or call her at 265-1125.
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