About the artist
Michelle Steadman is a visual artist from Victoria, BC.
Her deep connection to the Pacific Northwest comes alive in luminous landscapes of green forests, rugged coastlines, and vibrant skies. Hard of hearing since childhood, Michelle brings a heightened sensitivity to the visual world, translating the rhythms of wind, water, and light into richly textured canvases. Her work invites viewers to pause, listen with their eyes, and experience the profound stillness of nature’s wild places.
Message from the artist
My name is Michelle Steadman. I was born and raised in Victoria BC, Canada, where I currently reside. I have been painting on and off all throughout my life.
As a very young child I lost my hearing due to an illness – I became profoundly deaf, however, I taught myself to lipread. My world did indeed become quiet, but colour and image became bright. My passion for art and expression started shortly after this time. This passion was ignited as I watched my mentor and father John David Whitehead sketch and paint beautiful renditions. My father had much success in his art career during the fifties and sixties – his career was cut short when he tragically passed away at the young age of 49.
I am so grateful to have been party to the name my father made for himself when he was alive. I remember keenly observing him paint or sketch – often with his 2HB pencil, his favourite – seeing every new stroke of his pencil or paintbrush create more depth, more nuance, until the picture evolved into something real, something whole and something beautiful. Most of all, I remember seeing the happiness that it brought my father. I was absolutely hooked.
Since that time, art for me has been something rooted in love, respect and admiration and I am proud to continue the tradition gifted to me by my father. Adding my own artistic flair and style, but always remembering my artistic roots, allows me to pay homage to my father.
Exhibition
Michelle’s works will be exhibited at the Saanich Municipal Hall from October 15, 2025 to November 17, 2025.