ALEXANDRA MICHAELS

Alexandra Michaels conveys an intimate expression of her personal experiences through the use of typewriter imagery. Limited in her motor functions, as a result of cerebral palsy, her typewriter is an invaluable companion.

Alexandra began to type when she was only eight years old. All of her school work, which later included bookkeeping, charts, and an array of diagrams, was patterned using her machine. As a child she began to color pictures by using different letters to shade areas. She quickly developed the ability to create illusions by mixing typewriter characters. The addition of color, provided by standard black and red ribbons, added another dimension to her designs.

During her final year of high school she completed an art course using typewriter imagery
as her medium. In 1987 she was inspired to create her first major piece. This was the beginning of her journey towards becoming recognized as an artist!

In this age of computer technology and the expassion of graphic capabilities, the unique designs which Alexandra creates on her 1969 electric typewriter, with its black and red, reel-to-reel ribbon, can be equated to handcrafted needlework; the richness of the artist's masterpiece often surpasses that of the articles produced on modern machinery.

Born and educated in Winnipeg, Alexandra is a homemaker, businesswoman, friend, and lover of life. Each of these describes who she is in part . . . being an artist encompasses her entirety. In addition to being a creative designer, she is also a literary artist of short stories, articles, and poetry. Her writings have appeared in various publications. She has combined her talents as a poet with her typewriter imagery, expanding her works into the area of visual poetry, Christmas cards, note cards, and T-shirts.

Alexandra produces Limited Editions of her artwork, which is made possible through the assistance of the Canon Copiers Division of Ikon Office Solutions and Dave's Quick Print. A special grant from the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba enabled her to prepare her pieces for exhibit. Friends and family also provide continuous untold support in Alexandra's career.

Contact: (204) 837-5591
Email: journey@mts.net

SIZE OF ART REDUCED FROM ORIGINAL ARTWORK WHEN
PRINTED; COLOR ADDED FOR EFFECT