Inner Work

Certificate of Authenticity Included

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A$960

Artwork Details

Medium Oil, Canvas, Ready to hang
Dimensions 182cm (W) x 76cm (H) x 3.5cm (D)
Review Stars 21,257 Customer Reviews
Original Artwork
This artwork is one of a kind!
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Friday, Jun 19 - Sunday, Jun 21

Artwork Description

The Story Behind the Work
Inner Work was born from a season of deep reflection. I wanted to capture the sensation of turning inward — how the process of self-discovery isn’t linear, but layered, complex, and alive with both shadow and light. The luminous verticals at the left of the canvas represent openness, clarity, and the willingness to let light in. The darker maroon bar, edged with neon pink, is a threshold — a passage through challenge, fear, or resistance. The right side, with its sharper blocks of vivid pinks, greens, and crimsons, mirrors the inner architecture we create: our defences, our frameworks, and also the vibrant breakthroughs that come from courageously facing ourselves.

This painting was inspired by the emotional landscape of introspection — that mixture of surrender and construction, of softening and structuring. It’s about the quiet yet powerful shifts that happen beneath the surface when we commit to inner growth.

How It Lifts a Room
Collectors often find that Inner Work transforms a space through both colour and energy. The luminous bands of yellow-green and pink radiate optimism and vitality, while the darker passages anchor the room with depth and gravity. The play between soft gradients and strong geometric edges brings balance — a harmony of calm presence with bold vibrancy. Whether placed in a living area, office, or meditation space, it acts as a statement piece that energises the environment while also inviting quiet contemplation.

Materials
This work is painted in oil on fine-weave Belgian linen, a traditional surface favoured for its longevity and subtle texture. Linen holds paint differently from cotton — the surface absorbs the oil pigments in a way that creates a rich, luminous depth, while the weave remains visible, lending tactile sophistication to the piece. The pigments are layered in glazes and solid bands, allowing the light to move across the surface and giving the colours a glowing, almost electric intensity.

Artist Bio

Michelle Carden is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty and intricate details of shells. Her lifelong passion for shells began at the age of four, scouring the beaches of Adelaide where she was born. For Michelle, shell collecting was pure bliss—a meditative escape and a way to find beauty and solace amidst the challenges of childhood.

Her artistic journey began in her teenage years when she first picked up a paintbrush. Despite her talent and passion for painting, Michelle initially opted for a corporate career path. However, her creative spirit always lingered in the background, calling her back to her true passion. Over the years, Michelle refined her artistic abilities by studying under renowned professional artist Joanna Robertson, Director of the independent Art School, Kidogo ArtHouse in Fremantle, Western Australia. She further honed her skills at Central Saint Martins, London, specialising in Fashion Illustration.

Michelle’s art is a celebration of the intricate patterns, textures, and colours found in shells. She blends her fine art training with a keen eye for detail, incorporating shells into her paintings to create stunning works that echo the beauty of the marine world. Her pieces invite viewers to explore the delicate relationship between nature and artistry, offering a glimpse into her lifelong fascination with the ocean’s treasures.

Drawing on her dual experiences in the corporate and creative worlds, Michelle’s art is both technically refined and emotionally resonant. Her work provides a sanctuary for viewers, celebrating the harmony, complexity, and enchanting allure of marine life. Through her art, Michelle shares her lifelong journey of discovery and connection with nature, inviting others to see the world through her uniquely shell-inspired lens.

Commissions

Michelle's studio is in Melbourne, Australia