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Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Green.

Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I was born in Camden, NJ but moved to Florida when I was 11. Started drawing as a teenager as a hobby and was fascinated with anything that allowed me to express myself. When I started high school, I got into the magnet program that allowed me to explore the arts. I was in video yearbook, morning announcements, newspaper, and drama club. Being a shy kid, these clubs allowed me to really soar into the person I am today.

Now as a 37-year old I’ve hit my stride with expressive paintings. I really feel at home when I begin a piece but most importantly, I wanted my work to have a purpose. Strong female role models have been an ongoing theme in most of my pieces. I want to create a space that is safe to talk about sensitive subjects such as mental health, women in the workplace, domestic violence, and substance abuse. This is why I created the series “Beauty in the Face of Adversity.” I wanted people to know that it’s okay to open up in a deep way about these issues and to face these challenges together in a safe, creative space. Each one of my pieces has a story, an intention to align with the divinity in all of us. Each piece sparks a powerful journey into the soul and mind, a fabrication of one’s free will.

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Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Anything that is worth something always comes with a set of obstacles. There will be critics on social media who try to put you down or other people in your ear that tell you that you will never amount to anything. I take pride in being self-taught but in the art world you are made to feel uneducated because you don’t have the right background. It’s been a struggle to do what I love and support myself financially. I have to remind myself that what I do is not just a matter of finance or credibility, it’s about giving a voice to those that have been silent for so long. Humans crave creativity and it should not be dismissed regardless of how good your technical skills are or financial standing for that matter. True art comes from the heart and soul.

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As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m an expressive acrylic painter specialized in portraits. I am known for my bold use of color, vibrancy, and well as the emotions I portray. I’m most proud of my determination to turn this into a business, even though my cards are sometimes stacked against me. My ability to come up with inspired creations on a daily basis as well as educating myself, sets me apart from the others. My ability to portray an emotion within my paintings is a special thing.

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We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?

I define success as doing well with what you have, growing every day, living life with purpose, and helping other people realize their worth.

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http://orlandovoyager.com/interview/meet-michelle-green-orlando/

Published Feb 16 2021