The Wyvern, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 48"x 36"

Owen Michaux

Artist's Statement

I paint from mythology because it allows me the freedom to create my own visual representations with a personal narrative, having been compelled by the dark and otherworldly imagery from fantasy films and picture books. I work primarily with acrylics, building up each layer as it dries, on hand stretched canvases with a textured surface, allowing me to work the paint like a sculptor in building the form and structure. I then go back and add in the small details, focussing on the eyes and facial features to bring life into the painting. My most recent work, titled The Wyvern and the Warrior is a series of two paintings that portray the classic medieval tale of the knight versus the dragon, the term wyvern describing a dragon that walks on its wings like a bat. When hung side by side, it shows the dichotomy between man and beast honed on each other right before battle, as flames leak out of the dragon's mouth and the knight readies his sword, his cross necklace wrapped around his hand for strength. This narrative was created so that when people view them together, they can make the same connection and then look closer to see the subtle touches of light and colour.

Artist's Biography:

Owen Michaux is an artist born and raised in Nanaimo, who works in painting. He paints, primarily with acrylics on hand-stretched canvas, focussing on representational subject matter that has a distinctive otherness aimed at engaging the viewer's experience. His decision to pursue art as career came from the support of his high school art teacher and taking art classes where he learned the basics of painting and then continued refining them. Artists who have influenced Owen include Lawren Harris, Gerhard Richter, and Kent Monkman, whose diverse styles of painting have contributed to his own style.