Angel with the Blue Dress I Love you with all my heart Blue Eyes By Lori Gordon The work of Pass Christian artist Michelle Allee is instantly recognizable and ultimately unforgettable. Her unique style of artistic expression begins with a textured surface she Michelle Allee creates on a panel and ends with a painting that seems to bridge the chasm between folk art and an ultra sophisticated style reminiscent of Modigliani. While Allee's subject range is extensive, she returns often to her favorite themes of queens, hearts, trees and houses. At first glance, the artist's Five Queens queens seem to project a sorrowful countenance that compels the viewer to come closer. Behind the doe-like eyes and sealed lips of the women emanates a sense of strength, perseverance and quiet fortitude. What is initially seen as sorrow begins to be understood as something else, and the viewer comes to feel a depth that is not apparent at first glance. This depth draws upon the archetypal figure of woman as bearer of sorrow and pillar of strength. House and Trees Allee explains that her penchant for painting queens is related to a close, strong relationship with her mother and two sisters. They have
Michelle Allee
tossed the metaphor of a crown between them for decades, using it in reference to the family member who takes on the responsibility of strength when the others are at vulnerable periods in their lives. Generally, one of them is able to pick up the crown, but every now and then, the artist says with a laugh, they decide to just lay it down for awhile. Her hearts, trees and houses also come about from this deep well of strength Allee finds in her relationship with her family. The trees represent the importance of having deep roots and a solid foundation in her life, while the houses signify shelter in a sense that goes beyond the physical. Her hearts point to what the artist feels is the most vital aspect of her humanness-her need for and ability to love the people in her life. With consummate skill and a gentle touch, Allee transfers that love to a painted surface. Her work may be seen at Gallery 220 and Be- hold in Bay St. Louis, and in Biloxi at Negrotto's Gallery as well as in galleries across the country, and online at www.michelleallee.com. 74 * Summer 2011 Newcomers & Visitors Guide to South MS
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