ABOUT

Michele Rosenbaum is a Pacific Northwest artist and creative collaborator specializing in mixed media painting and design. Originally from Los Angeles, she studied art and political science at UCLA. Michele's multi-layered process often combines painting and photography, resulting in unique works. In addition to her art, she offers portrait photography, custom prints, and website design for creatives, leveraging her background in business and real estate to enhance organizational skills for special projects. She also welcomes photographers and filmmakers to her home studio, providing versatile spaces for their work.

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Michele recently joined the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and the Oregon Chapter of the National Museum for Women in the Arts, eager to bridge the gap between art and science. As Chair of the Riverdale School District Board, she participates in the MESD Regional School Board Equity Team and the Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus. She gives back to her UCLA experience as an Alumni Scholar, participating in equity training and reviewing scholarship applications.

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Michele was one of the last recipients of the Abrams Prize for Women Artists and completed her degree at UCLA’s School of Arts and Architecture, studying under renowned artists like Chris Burden and John Baldessari. After graduating in 2000, she focused on single motherhood and then running a successful clothing business. Returning to art later in life, she explores themes of space, memory, and boundaries. When not working on art, Michele teaches art and cursive writing to kids and enjoys time with family and friends.

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Artist Statement​

Observing life beyond our own experiences is crucial for understanding how memories shape us. How do we form our subjective recollections? What happens when we cross a boundary—whether self-imposed or external? I found one answer through a photography project that examined my family history. Growing up with limited knowledge of my origins felt isolating. However, by speaking with my parents and exploring their old photos, this cherished narrative unfolded for me as a young adult. Born shortly after interracial marriage was legalized in the U.S., I have explored themes of family history, identity, race, and gender for over 25 years.

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As a child, I knew my father was much older than my mother and that he had been a priest for most of his life before I was born. Yet, the story of how my parents came together was seldom discussed, leaving me with a sense of implied shame about their dynamic. This led me to embark on one of my first photography projects, where I interviewed and photographed my parents separately. As I examined their old photos, I learned their differing stories about my origins. They wouldn’t pose together, so I double-exposed my film from two separate sessions, effectively “painting” them together. This simple yet powerful approach allowed me to connect the rawness of their stories while navigating boundaries.

Since then, I have continued to explore themes of boundaries and layers in my work. Portraits and self-portraits have marked significant moments in time and place, while identity, femininity, and the fetishization of Asian and mixed-race culture have emerged as recurring themes.

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My work is also inspired by travel, culture, and nature. As a former political science major with a focus on international relations, my college goal was to travel and photograph my experiences. Throughout my journey, I’ve considered time, space, and marginalization in my images. Objects deemed odd can captivate me just as much as enduring architecture. I enjoy abstract painting and layering in my work, influenced by conceptual artists who utilize graphics and self-portraiture. Recently, I’ve been painting over images printed on canvas to highlight the subjectivity of photography. My strongest recent work has been more abstract, incorporating ripped or cut papers into mixed media pieces.

 

In today’s world, objectivity in human experience feels increasingly elusive. Our expressions—shaped by social media and artificial intelligence—underscore the idea that reality is constructed and amplified in contemporary culture.

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Description of the Work

​The work on this forum represents travels, memory, culture and space.  There are also some images which capture movement of light and color to sometimes evoke abstract painting and emotion.  I am very interested in layers of meaning and form of work is often entangled with meaning for me.  My over 25 years self-portrait project has focused on how I see myself as an Americanized Asian with mixed race heritage.  I tend to dislike being categorized into one box and exist within and without adhering to imposed definitions or categories.  The self-portrait project started from considering the days when my mother would define what was more Chinese or less Chinese and how I fit (or did not fit) into those ideas or stereotypes.  While it is less so now, I have often been approached with a desire to define what I am, especially in racial terms.  People of Asian descent often will guess that I am partly their race.  The lack of categorization is something I embrace.  If there is a category or place of belonging, it is something I define for myself.

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UCSB Art Gallery

Abrams Prize for Women Artists

Wight Gallery at UCLA School of Arts and Architecture

Pop Up Art Show and Open Studio in Portland, Oregon

Sidestreet Arts

Lake Oswego Open Studios

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