Untitled

In Michelle Fawcett Black's oil on canvas painting, a Ute boy hovers in a dramatic desert landscape. Behind him hoodoo rock formations rise up into a sky transitioning brilliantly from night to day, or day to night. The deep blues of night are repeated in the boy's shirt, while the crimson of the sun is reflected on his face and in his adornments. There is a haunting mood of longing as the boy gazes into the distance, while below him drifts a mist of red. He is slightly disembodied, his torso is fading into the landscape, but his face is clear and bright, almost as if it were a stand-in for the sun.

Michelle Fawcett Black's interest in art goes back as far as she can remember. At age fourteen she began drawing lessons, and soon after took up oil painting. She attended North Summit High School and continued her painting practice all through high school. After graduation, Michelle attended Brigham Young University where she studied art in a variety of media. She received her degree in Elementary and Art Education. A mother of five, Michelle lives in Elk Ridge and enjoys sharing her love of art with her children, family, and friends.

1999 Council Award