I am passionate about the ancient technique of hand woven tapestry, and am drawn to its complex and textural nature. The juxtaposition of a historically rich medium twisted to create non-conformist pieces is part of the attraction.
My aim is to push the boundaries of what contemporary art is considered to be. A seemingly outdated medium can be transformed into unconventional artworks which are both tactile and visually striking.
Using greyscale with minimal pops of colour against a strong black background, I have developed a distinctive visual language. Although the themes I work with are varied, I like to maintain my dark aesthetic.
Currently I am working on my ‘Windows’ series, which are portraits based on x-rays and CT scans. My new series ‘Theatre of the Grotesque’ has been inspired by vintage medical illustrations.
2018
Finalist (Highly Commended - Emerging Category) - Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
Finalist - Gallery M Open Contemporary Art Prize
Finalist - ACMD Acquisitive Art Prize
Finalist - Mitcham Art Prize 2018
2017
Finalist – Tatiara Art Prize
Finalist – City of Whyalla Art Prize
Finalist – Gallery M Open Contemporary Art Prize
Finalist – Irene Davies Emerging Artist Award
Finalist – Contemporary Art Awards
Finalist – Heallreaf 2, International Exhibition of Woven Tapestry (UK)
2016
Winner – Port Pirie Art Prize
Finalist – Gallery M Open Contemporary Art Prize
Finalist – Emma Hack Art Prize 2016
2015
Finalist – Irene Davies Emerging Artist Award
2018
:: 'Mitcham Art Prize 2018' finalist - Gallery One, 19 Oct - 10 Nov
:: 'Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize 2018' finalist (Highly Commended - Emerging Artist category) - National Archives Of Australia, Canberra, 23 Aug - 14 Oct
:: 'Gallery M Open Contemporary Art Prize 2018' finalist - Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 10 Aug - 2 Sept
:: 'ACMD Acquisitive Art Prize 2018' finalist - St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Aikenhead Building, 1 - 30 Aug
:: 'Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize 2018' finalist (Highly Commended - Emerging Artist category) - South Australian Museum, 8 Jun - 5 Aug
:: ‘BLOOM' – Emma Hack Gallery / SA Art Collective, 10 Jan – 4 Feb
:: 'All Women Art Exhibition 2018' finalist - Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery, January
2017
:: ‘2017 Tatiara Art Prize‘ finalist – Walkway Gallery, 9 Oct – 24 Nov
:: ‘2017 City of Whyalla Art Prize‘ finalist – Middleback Arts Centre, 30 Sept– 2 Dec
:: ‘Asia Contemporary Art Show’ – 21-24 Sept, Conrad Hotel Hong Kong
:: ‘Gallery M Open Contemporary Art Prize 2017’ finalist – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 4 -27 Aug
:: ‘Kate Derum & Irene Davies Awards’, finalist for Irene Davies Emerging Artist Award – Australian Tapestry Workshop, 9 Aug – 29 Sept
:: ‘Squared Up’ – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 12 May – 4 June
:: ‘Heallreaf 2’ finalist – West Dean College UK, 10 – 22 April and The Brick Lane Gallery London, 28 June – 2 July
:: ‘Contemporary Art Awards 2017’ finalist – Online exhibition, 10 Jan – 10 July
2016
:: ‘Port Pirie Art Prize 2016’ winner open prize – Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery, 21 Aug – 3 Oct
:: ‘Gallery M Open Contemporary Prize 2016’ finalist – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 5 – 28 Aug
:: ‘Clique’ – Burra Regional Art Gallery, 29 April – 19 June
:: ‘Emma Hack Art Prize 2016‘ finalist – Adelaide Festival Centre, 9 Feb – 14 Mar
:: ‘Clique’ – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 5 Jan – 7 Feb
2015
:: ‘Kate Derum & Irene Davies Awards’, finalist for Irene Davies Emerging Artist Award – Australian Tapestry Workshop, 20 Aug – 25 Sept
:: ’14th Annual City Of Marion Community Art Exhibition’ – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre, 29 Nov – 8 Jan
2014
:: ’13th Annual City Of Marion Community Art Exhibition’ – Gallery M, Marion Cultural Centre
2011
:: ‘Sea Change 175’, SALA Festival 2011 – Holdfast Walk, Glenelg South Australia
2010 – 2014
:: Diploma Of Visual Art – Tapestry (South West Institute of TAFE, Warrnambool)
1992
:: Certificate In Applied And Visual Art (Kingston College of TAFE)
2017
:: 'Secret Portraits' - The Wheel Magazine Issue 29 2017 by Ashford Handicrafts Ltd
:: Textiel Plus, Netherlands – August edition, ‘Blikvangers’ p. 241
:: ‘Hallett Cove artist Michelle Driver creates art to connect to her pagan religion’ – CityCoast Messenger, 15 August 2017, pp. 3 by Michelle Etheridge
:: ‘Meet Your Maker: Michelle Driver’ – The Adelaide Review, May 2017
:: ‘Michelle Driver – Designer, Tapestry Artist, Weaver’ – Mr X Stitch Blog, 29 April 2017
2016
:: ‘Michelle Driver’ – Embellish Magazine, Issue 27 Sept 2016, pp. 50-51 by ArtWear Publications
2014
:: ‘Wool Is My Mistress‘ – The Wheel Magazine, Issue 26 2014 by Ashford Handicrafts Ltd
2013
:: ‘CODA 2013 – Tapestry Art Today‘ by American Tapestry Alliance
:: ‘Goth Deathrock Art Project’ article, featured in American Tapestry Alliance Tapestry Topics Spring Issue 2013.
