Michele Kortbawi-Wilk
(b.1961) Somerset, New Jersey
Michele Kortbawi-Wilk is a self-taught artist, apart from art classes
during her early school years, who began drawing and painting when she
was very young. Her love for art is equally shared with a love for all
animals. In her young adulthood, Michele’s passion for animals landed
her a job in Southern California working with animals for the motion
picture industry.
Her practice in painting was informed first and foremost whilst working
alongside exotic, native and domestic animals in the film industry,
Michele continued to paint for pleasure while at the same time
attracting the attention of famed Hollywood animal trainers such as
Frank Inn (owner and trainer of “Benji”) and Cindy Cullen (daughter of
Edgar Rice Boroughs). She found herself with regular commissions and
began painting fulltime.
In considering each subject, Michele looks for expression, personality
and character and it is for her of most importance to capture this
essence of spirit in all of her works. She is influenced by many animal
sculptors and painters of modern day, surrealist movement, as well as
the Old Masters.
For more than 25 years Michele's work has been showcased in juried shows
throughout the U.S. and abroad with many awards to attest to her
success. Her paintings can be found in private and corporate
collections. Commercial works include Enesco, Otagiri as well as several
environmental groups.
Jones & Terwilliger Galleries proudly represent Michele Kortbawi--Wilk
on the West-Coast. |