Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Chan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started Chinese watercolor painting and sketching as a child at Joseph and Jenny’s Fine Art school in San Francisco. When I moved to San Diego to pursue academic studies, I stopped doing all artwork until I was sidelined by an ACL surgery. I started doodling again during the recovery downtime and rekindled my love of drawing and subsequently, painting as well.
Please tell us about your art.
I’ve tried multiple mediums, but my preferred are pencil and pen sketches and watercolor paint. Occasionally I will use gouache and calligraphy ink. My main source of inspiration stems from old black and white photography/films and tattoo art which have had a huge impact on my style. I like to use a lot of little detail in my accents, but I subscribe to the idea of keeping the majority of my pieces simple and significant. I tend to draw portraits or human figures since I love the idea of never needing a smartphone or a camera to capture an image, a face or a memory. All I need is a pencil and paper.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think the roles of artists are as important as ever because we share with the world what words can’t. Artists have always been the pictorial historians and emotional calibrators of society and with the constantly shifting values and issues (especially politically), it’s comforting to find your innate feelings mirrored and expressed. We express our feelings and thoughts in creative ways in hopes that others can relate.
While the pros of social media offer the opportunity to gain exposure worldwide, the cons of social media also mean that the same opportunity allows cheap attention to distract viewers from artwork that takes a few extra seconds to comprehend. Ironically, I find that with the increase of social media I’m often drawn to cultural and traditional artwork to recenter; I find looking at things that have successfully stood the tests of time grounding in a world filled with whirlwinds of information.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post photos and short videos of new works or works in progress on my Instagram @michelle. the artist and on my website at www.michellechanarts.com. That is the best way to follow what I’m up to and support my upcoming projects. I also love dance and martial arts, which I post about on my Instagram @michelle.mibelle. I love all feedback, positive and critical. I haven’t branched out to submitting pieces to art shows yet, but that is something I plan on doing in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellechanarts.com
- Phone: 858-333-1240
- Email: michellechancreatives@gmail.com
- Instagram: @michelle.theartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellechanart/
Image Credit:
Michelle Chan
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