Michelle OConnor

Michelle OConnor's work is driven by a desire to honour landscapes that hold personal meaning and emotional resonance. Inspired by the places she encounters while hiking and kayaking in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, she focuses on environments that evoke memory, connection, and a strong sense of place. Shorelines, forest paths, and heritage spaces form the foundation of her practice, serving as both subjects and sites of reflection. Working from her own reference photography, OConnor transforms these familiar locations into bold, stylized interpretations. Strong black contour lines provide structure and intention, while vibrant colours emphasize rhythm, movement, and the energy of the natural world. Through this distinct visual language, she shifts the landscape from representation to interpretation, offering viewers an engaging and contemporary perspective on Canadian scenery. Her intent is to create work that is visually compelling and emotionally grounded, encouraging a renewed appreciation for the beauty and significance of the natural environment.