Courtesy Photo Pamela O’Neil is the July/August Featured Artist at Thunder Bay Arts Gallery.

ALPENA — The July/August 2020 Featured Artist at the Thunder Bay Arts Gallery is Pamela O’Neil.

Her work will be on display at the gallery for the months of July and August. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there won’t be a reception for her but the gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday to view her work.

O’Neil’s show is called “Colour Changes Everything … A Solo Show.”

O’Neil describes herself as a self-taught abstract realist — inspired by spiritual guidance. In her work, she expresses life from color, shape, experience, love and pain. With an extensive resume of poetry, awards, gallery shows, professional art fairs, business and commissioned work, she remains humbled by compassion and humanism.

Growing up in the small town of Owosso, she always remains grateful for her simple heritage. O’Neil has owned her own interior design business for over 40 years. Having received her degree in Chicago and traveling throughout the Eastern United States, she continues to use her creativity while doing professional display, design work and her art. Her education is always continued through workshops, research, teaching and experiences.

Artist’s Statement

O’Neil submitted the following statement in a press release.

“I never see things normally,” she said. “I always paint from my soul. The strokes of color that my mind’s eye feels … not sees.The passion runs so deep that I will get lost for hours in ‘the zone.’ It is a catharsis and true gift from my higher spirit. Feeling confined by small pieces, I reveal my art best in larger canvases. Finally finding my niche over the years, I know acrylic on canvas is my best choice. I love using textures and have been working with this medium plus drywall mud and other products for a very long time. I started out with watercolors straight from the tubes. The richness and saturation of the color from acrylic paint expresses best my creations. When possible, I will work with wood and metals and glass to build geometric, unique pieces. These consist of sculptures and mirrors and whatever flows from my soul.”

She does more than just paint, though. She loves to share her skills with others.

“I also teach workshops and art therapy to the elderly and dementia patients,” O’Neil said. “This brings much satisfaction to me to see the breakthroughs art and color have on my students.”

She would probably be creating artwork 24/7 if she could.

“Most of the time I can’t get enough! It is in my blood and I’m blessed to be called ‘a professional artist,'” she said. “I welcome commission work and do this on a very regular basis … working closely with my clients.”

She has learned a lot from her passion, and she wants to share it with others.

“I feel we are here for love and lessons,” O’Neil said. “We should all be aware of our daily experiences and surroundings. Do not be afraid of expressing that inner profound knowing!”

Thunder Bay Arts Gallery is located at 127 W. Chisholm St., Alpena. Call 989-356-6678 or visit thunderbayarts.org.