Artists Sculptors Guild
 
Michelle Greene

My studio is in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This environment has had a strong influence on my aesthetics and the work I create. It has inspired me to Recycle parts of the History of the Navy Yard that otherwise would be discarded. My artwork reflects my concerns for the environment. Greening and Recycling are often a repetitive theme.
In creating Bike Racks for the Navy Yard, I incorporated “Greening of the Yard” into the design. The Steel Track that runs throughout the Yard is a symbol of Strength and Motion. Previously, the track brought supplies into the Navy Yard during the years of Ship Building. With new construction at The Brooklyn Navy Yard the old track is often replaced with concrete.  
The worn and curved edges of the Rail Road Track have an inherent Beauty.  In creating the Bike Racks I combined the beauty and original patina of the Track with new-galvanized Steel. “What is old has become new again”. Now the bike racks will become a visual as well as functional part of everyday life at The New Brooklyn Navy Yard. With the Bike Racks, metal from the past has been transformed into a functional and artistic statement that will become part of the future. The Brooklyn Navy Yard Bike and Motorcycle Racks were installed in Fall 2008.
My most recent commission is a “Park Project”. The Park will be completed in 2009. This project is both sculptural and functional. History, Greening, and Recycling are all integral parts of the project.
Articles about my artwork have appeared several times in The New York Times. I have also had articles in The International Herald Tribune, New York Newsday, New York Daily News, and Art News Magazine. Segments about my artwork have also appeared on ABC Television and on Paragon Cable.  My commission “Rail Riders’ Throne” is included in the book “Along the Way”, Permanent Collection of the New York City MTA.
Currently I teach in the B.F.A. Fine Arts Department of The New School University and New York Institute of Technology. In the past I have taught at Parsons School of Design, The Third Ward, New Jersey City University, The Sculpture Center, and Chabot College.

Brooklyn Navy Yard Bike Racks
I-Beam Bench with Black Leather
Brooklyn Navy Yard Motorcycle Racks
Iron Rail Cart with Grass
Iron Rail Cart
Saks Fifth Avenue Window 2008