Now selling...
...Original Works on canvas, paper, wood, and photo paper.
For purchasing originals, you may also contact me directly.
...Framed Prints on canvas and paper
...Unframed Prints on canvas and paper
...Greeting Cards. Fully customizable - ad your own message, choose your own layout!
Discounts are offered on bulk packs.

Artist Statement

Art plays a vital role in the growth and proper functioning of our human-sculpted world. Inherent in art is the ability to reveal the sublimity and beauty of life, and thus it serves as a universal tool for learning and inspiration. The artist’s responsibility is to apply his or her refined skills to serve a community or society in this beneficial way. This is Michelle’s passion.

Michelle’s experience has led to an interest in how the practice of mind-body-spirit consciousness can simultaneously improve the life of an individual and the life of the universe as a collective consciousness. She works with this concept through art that blends the natural (including biological, psychological, and anthropological) with the fantastical (including mythological, paranormal, metaphysical, and spiritual). The natural and the fantastical are the “yin and yang” of life: two opposite but complementary halves, when functioning harmoniously together, create a complete life experience (as in an experience involving the mind, body, and soul). Combining elements from these two themes into a single visual concept gives the audience an opportunity to view and experience this completeness, which is not otherwise experienced in a solely physical world, and yet is an essential step for entering into the deepest possible and most transformative state of consciousness.

Purely visual art, specifically that of paintings, requires from the audience mindful contemplation, as well as the openness to receive ideas through visual concentration while all other senses may rest. Quantum physicists have discovered that this meditative awareness allows the brain to create more complete and harmonious patterns of thought and awareness. The energy existing as thought waves in one individual emanate to individuals around them, and in theory, radiate infinitely outward. When art is created with mindful, powerful, positive intentions, and when an audience views the art and connects with it in some way, positive transformations can then take place on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. The visuals alone in art are enough to instantly connect the audience to the complete form and message of the art. Michelle’s intention is to heal, transform, and inspire by creating philosophical works blending natural and fantastical themes.

Commissions

Benefits of Holistic Art for You

I am working toward a complete focus in holistic, visionary, and healing art. These works are infused with specific intentions before, during, and after the creation of the work. This art is intended to promote healing and positive growth of all those that encounter the work, either by simply being in its presence, or by practicing a deep reflection and meditation while gazing at the work. Holistic artworks can be created to promote an overall general feeling of peace and wellness, or they can be intentionally created to target areas in one's life that need specific healing or growth. For instance, a work can be created to help balance one's chakras, heal a bodily physical illness or imbalance, bring spiritual growth, emotional stability, or encourage the mind to concentrate and focus. The visuals for these works come from the heart and soul, and for me are most successfuly produced after a meditation session.

Holistic also means Eco-Friendly Art

In addition to the importance of maintaining a clear, mindful intention before, during, and after creating the work, I also recognize that creating a holistic masterpiece begins with a careful selection of environmentally-friendly materials. After much research into the technique and feasibility of using natural materials, I have made the decision to exhaust my old art supplies, sell my old works, and move toward working completely with natural materials just like the Renaissance, Medieval, and other early artists used. These materials are attained from the earth as directly as possible and include natural fiber canvas, solid wood, paints made with water, eggs (egg tempera), beeswax (encaustic), natural plant oils, and natural mineral and iron oxide pigments. While the finished work is made to last, all materials that were used in the creation of the work are carefully selected to be as earth-friendly as possible.

michellebien [at] gmail [dot] com