SPOTLIGHT
Michelle Silver, Gallery Director at Distortion Society (#48 on UAW Map)
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? And how long you’ve been in your current position. I’m a painter and the Gallery Director of Distortion Society, a combined art gallery and tattoo studio I co-founded with my tattoo artist husband Bradley Silver in April 2023. We aim to blur the lines between fine art and body art, challenging the stigmas surrounding these traditionally disparate art forms and elevating both the gallery and tattoo experiences through their intersection. I curate - or collaborate with independent curators - bimonthly presentations of emerging and mid-career artists who are pushing boundaries and represent a unique voice. I also run the day to day gallery operations, including managing collector and press relations, marketing efforts, and digital profiles. Bradley manages the tattoo portion of the business, which focuses on eclectic and non-traditional styles of tattooing.
Use three words to describe yourself:
passionate, creative, quirky
What brought you to the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountains?
We had our first child in Brooklyn and realized how much we craved a slower pace of life, deeper connection to the natural world, closer proximity to my family (I grew up in the Catskills), and a supportive community for raising our now two children. We settled in the lower Hudson Valley in 2019.
What do you love about your job?
Most everything - it is my dream actualized! It’s extremely hard work owning a small business/gallery while raising a family and working as a freelance graphic designer, but every day I’m reminded why it’s worth it as I get to collaborate with like minded people, support artists, be inspired by the constant flow of creativity, and see people excited to be in the space!
What exciting things do you have planned for UAW?
The exhibition we have planned for UAW is a bit different from our normal programming - I am presenting a new body of my own work! The show represents a bit of a breakthrough emotionally and stylistically so unveiling this work in my own space feels both exactly right and very vulnerable. The exhibition is titled “What She Builds, She Must Destroy” and through energetic gestural abstraction mixed with figurative painting I am exploring the depths of reclaiming my body and mind as an artist mother in America.
Best place near you to get:
Breakfast? Waffles on my screened in porch
Lunch? The cafe at Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring
Dinner? Quinn’s in Beacon
What’s your favorite local store?
Hyperbole (artisan clothing & jewelry) or LotusWorks Wellness (cannabis dispensary), both in Beacon!
What’s your favorite art/creative space to visit?
My studio : )
What is one tip for people experiencing UAW for the first time?
Map out your top picks and cluster experiences geographically - the Hudson Valley is super spread out!
What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people?
I used to sing in an ethereal indie rock band when I lived in Brooklyn.
Now for the speed round! Pick one or the other:
Valley or mountains? mountains
Car or train? car, but as a passenger
Walk or hike? hike
Sun or snow? sun
Indoors or outdoors? outdoors
Diner or restaurant? restaurant
Market or shop? shop
Clear or clouds? clear
Sunglasses or hat? sunglasses
Abstract or realist? abstract
Contemporary or modern? contemporary - support living artists! (but thank you to the modern greats)
Sculpture or painting? painting
IRL or digital? IRL
Look or listen? Both at the same time
See or feel? Both at the same time