Michelle McCunnan - 1961 – SALISBURY (HARARE) ZIMBABWE

Herd Boy

Zulu Woman

MICHELLE McCLUNAN
BORN 1961 – SALISBURY (HARARE) ZIMBABWE

Michelle McClunan, a sculpture and painter, was born in Zimbabwe and moved to South Africa at the age of eight. From as early as she can remember, she spent many hours drawing and painting, her main interest lying in figurative work.

For fifteen years, Michelle painted in her spare time whilst developing a career in advertising, show business and the film industry.

For many years she lived and worked in KwaZulu Natal, as a film producer and director. Working closely with a well-known anthropologist, Michelle’s job took her around Africa, where she worked with the continent’s many colourful people. Much of her time was spent in the rural, urban and transitional areas of South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Uganda where she filmed and documented tribal ceremonies, such as weddings, coming of age ceremonies and Sangoma gatherings.

It was during this time that she developed a deep love and understanding for Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife, as well as a fascination for her rich and rapidly vanishing cultures.

Producing and directing video documentaries served to hone Michelle’s eye for composition, colour, light and movement, all of which she now incorporates into her art.

Michelle now lives on the coast of the Western Cape, with her husband Bruce, where she spends her time creating art in mixed media, collage, oils, pastels and watercolour, as well as sculpting in bronze. She also runs workshops to assist people in getting in touch with their unique creative expression which she believes lies in each and every one of us.

Michelle has exhibited in Johannesburg, KwaZulu Natal, Cape Town and Scotland in solo and group exhibitions. Her works are in private collections both nationally and internationally.