Artist Statement

Michelle Langfeldt’s collection of works captures an undistracted view of stillness and tranquility, environmental abstracts void of chaos and disorder. Michelle is drawn to portraits of landscapes that transcend time and draw you into their moment. Her work invites the viewer to experience or consider what has happened before and what is yet to be. She has said, “these spaces find me as much as I find them.” In her newest body of work, Silent Journey, her photographs showcase unimpeded light, space and energy, evoking a sense of silence, opportunity, anticipation and relief.

Michelle’s photographic journey began in 1996 at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) where she spent two years in the darkroom learning about film and the importance of composition, exposure, aperture and image, developing a true respect for photography and craft. In 2004, Michelle continued her learning and obtained a Bachelor of Design Degree with a Major in Photography from the Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD). As fate would lead, in 2011, Michelle began working in the environmental sector as a Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) facilitator and has spent over seven years working with Indigenous communities throughout the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta. Her role as an Indigenous engagement specialist took her deep into the hearts of traditional territories for extended periods of time, exploring vast, remote wilderness areas, gathering proprietary TEK from Indigenous Elders and knowledge holders. This experience influenced the way Michelle explores and experiences both space and environment, giving her a newly-founded appreciation for both serenity and order.

In a world filled with excessive screen time, chaos and attention-demanding distractions, Michelle Langfeldt’s work aims to provide visual relief to these diversions, and challenges viewers to accept the vulnerability of silence.

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Michelle is a born and raised Calgarian, currently working as an engagement consultant for a stakeholder and Indigenous engagement specialist firm. Michelle’s photography has been recognized by the Calgary Stampede, Timeraiser and Applied Arts Magazine.