Michele Riche

Michele currently lives in Connecticut, her home state, after spending many years living in New York City. She received her BFA at St. Lawrence University and continued her education in New York, taking classes at The School of Visual Arts, among other institutions, while working in development for non-profit organizations. In 2018, Michele decided to leave the routine of a 9 to 5 job to devote her career and life to her art. Michele has exhibited in numerous group exhibitions, as well as being selected as a Spotlight Artist recipient at Artexpo New York in 2021. She received “Best In Show” at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, CT in 2019, and had a solo exhibition at the Mattatuck Museum that year. She moved to Connecticut in the spring of 2021.
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I consider myself primarily a figurative painter. The main subjects in my paintings are generally women because that is who I best relate to. These women project a strong confidence: they are comfortable with their bodies and themselves.

I am often struck by an awareness of my own detachment and isolation, even in situations where other people surround me. I believe It is a common thread of humanity in the world we live in today. We long for deep connection to others, and societal norms dictate that we should all have that connection, but actually being alone can often feel the most satisfying and comfortable. Does this mean that we fully embrace our individuality and answer to no one but ourselves, or does it meant that we are afraid to get close to people, be vulnerable and reveal our true selves? I am exploring my own struggle with detachment through my work, which changes and evolves as I grapple with these issues in my life.​
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The new work that I have been creating has been inspired by the time I am spending with my mother in CT. My responsibilities to her have taken me out of the studio and into her garden. Painting her flowers has given me a way to spend time with her, to share something beautiful and meaningful to her, to connect on a deeper level and also to realize the preciousness of the fleeting moment. I am painting from life, so there is an urgency that I am fully aware of as I work. I am memorializing my mother’s gardens and preserving something of hers that I know will soon be gone. These paintings have become quite personal as they have added a beautiful layer of depth to our relationship through the sharing of time and stories as I work.