But it’s the influence of form and structure in Michelle’s pieces that may be most obvious. “[I am] instinctually drawn to shapes and patterns,” she says—and though she doesn’t make it explicit, there’s a clear sense that those shapes and patterns hold spiritual weight for her. “Geometry is a sacred language with great symbolism,” Michelle says. “It’s part of everything.” The theme of universality isn’t new to the art world, but she edges the motif with undercurrents of femininity in a way that feels singular. It’s a nuance that surfaces in her discussions of the “sensuality in curved lines,” and even of the sun: “The sun is one of few constants in our lives. She is with us every day. Without her, there is darkness.” The suggestion of the collective “her” in this statement fills the anthropomorphism with societal and political implications.

Using primarily earth and flesh-toned acrylics, gold metal leaf, and bold lines, Michelle finds a rarefied space in her expressions—the kind she hopes will produce reverberating imaginativeness. “I want people to walk away from my work feeling motivated to do what they love with confidence, thereby reinforcing a circle of inspiration.” ❤