ARTIST: MICHELLE L

Michelle is a native St. Louisan who creates figurative and abstract paintings that are multi-layered in color and texture, incorporating materials like glass, clay, cardboard, gesso, and wood. Her paintings range in size from medium to large. Michelle’s figurative works are inspired by revolutionary singers, athletes, political figures, and social activists she admires, all of whom possess a sense of radicalness in advocating for social and political reform or justice. She has a deep admiration for those who use their platforms to advance social, educational, and economic development.

Her love for art was born from escapism, and she found it to be a therapeutic outlet. Wanting to share this experience with others, Michelle creates environments that feel safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental. She hosts art therapy classes that promote self-awareness through conversation, music, and creative activities like painting or working with clay.

One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as the art director for The Artist Village of the Saint Louis World’s Fare, where she met local creatives, selected artists for vending events, and played a role in installations. Michelle is also passionate about visiting inner-city schools to discuss her career as an artist and its connection to education and earning a living. Her installation at the Ferguson Public Library, which centered around the Mike Brown protests, stands as one of the proudest moments in her art career.