Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Pruyn.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Coronado, eventually attending UCSD as a Chemistry and Literatures in English major. Prior to graduation, I saw my high school art teacher at a wedding who said she had hoped I would pursue an artistic path. I went home and started playing with paints. It began as pet portraits, moved into jewelry and eventually took me to my current love of resin art. Growing up in Coronado, the beach has always been home, and resin lets me capture the depth and movement of the ocean. My chemistry background helps with the technical aspects of density and pigment reactions, so it’s a great marriage of my life expressed through my pieces.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a resin artist. There is something so calming yet exciting about the depths of the ocean. Resin lets me capture that with layering and patience and sometimes a little luck. While I do use traditional canvas, my main focus right now is functional pieces. Bringing the beauty of the ocean to everyday pieces for a celebration or a gift makes me happy to share a piece of paradise with my collectors. There is a reason people vacation in beach areas and with my work they can have a piece of that beauty in their home.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Too many times artists think collectors will magically find them, but we have to find the collectors and put ourselves out there. Word of mouth is invaluable, so make yourself the expert in your medium. Don’t undervalue yourself or your work and make sure your customer service is top notch. Treat it as a business, go through the proper legal channels and truly create a brand for yourself. Don’t go by what is trendy or popular on social media or try to copy someone else’s work; taking our own path is where we find success. Find your niche!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I do weekly local markets and shows in San Diego where locals and visitors can see my work and come say hi! I’m usually at the Little Italy Mercato on Saturdays and the Gaslamp Artisan Market or La Jolla Open Aire Market on Sundays but I also do yearly shows and pop-ups such as the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Ocean Beach Street Fair, and my hometown Coronado Artisans’ Alley. Follow me on Instagram or Facebook to see where I will be weekly while my website is being worked on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theartofmvp.com
- Email: info@theartofmvp.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theartofmvp
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/artofmvp
Image Credit:
The Art of MVP
Portrait: Thoughts By Brandi
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
