Artist Interview - Michelle Reynolds

Today I’d like to share an interview with the wonderful Michelle Reynolds, a vibrant “artist, creatrix and sunset photographer” living in Western Australia. We met through Flying Lessons, an e-course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Sit back and enjoy learning more about Michelle and her passion for life and creating.

Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?

In 2009 when I fell in love with acrylic painting.

Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey?
 
Flora Bowley, Kelly Rae Roberts, Rosetta Santucci, Modigliani and Mondrian

Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?

My best friend Sandra always encourages me to go for it and gives honest feedback and criticism.

Tell us a bit about some of your creations or how you like to create. I know you enjoy working with acrylics and painting in layers.

I start a few layers and then I love to stamp all over the canvas using bubble wrap, rubber matting, and any other found objects in my box. Next I decide what I’m going to do with the canvas such as a vase and flowers and with a small brush and white paint I draw it on my canvas, then I start to block out with opaque colours and translucent as well. Then I add some bling colours such as gold and copper.

If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be?

Jesus Christ

If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?

Librarian - I love books.

What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson.

Why? Because I have often asked myself that question - Who am I to be….and I love that line - Your playing small does not serve the world. And I believe that God does want us to be the best person we can be.

Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members whom you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?

Yes. I attend a small community centre each Monday and help others with their art. I also have an online community of very supportive friends.

If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?

Painting with my friend Sandra, coffee and laughter.

Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?

Aside from Kelly Rae Roberts, Flora Bowley and the Fly Tribe blogs:

http://www.design-seeds.com This blog is great for colour palettes.

http://www.tracibunkers.com/blog/ Traci is the queen of stamping.

Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?

I recently came to terms with the fact that the cost to achieving my dream would be too high in terms of my relationship with my husband and God and so I’m looking for a new dream. I’m ok with this - there’s nothing wrong with changing our dreams.

Goals and plans for 2012 - Life Book 2012 ecourse, a painting course with local artist Neil Elloitt starting at the end of January - mixed media and abstract art, a group exhibition in June, to be part of the 30x30x30 project -completing 30 paintings in 30 days to sell at an exhibition in mid Sept, to attend an overseas worshop in October - meet a few online friends, go to New York and see a few galleries in the USA, In November - go to Melbourne to see the Sketchbook Project and meet up with some online artists and in December -organise a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party for hubby and I.

(Photos courtesy of Michelle Reynolds)

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?

Have fun and enjoy yourself.
Learn - attend workshops, do online courses.
Community - build up a community of artist friends - in real life and online.
Reach out to other artists - those whose careers are more advanced than yours and those who are just starting out and need your help.
Get your work out there in the community - enter it into awards and shows.

I personally would like to thank Michelle for sharing her life and inspirations with us.  She's a very motivating person, whom I think many of us look to for our inspiration as well.  If you'd like to learn more about Michelle or see some more of her work, you can find her at the following links.  Thanks again, Michelle!

www.shellsinthebush.com
http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/