Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Andrea.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a firm believer that we are all artists. As children, we all naturally show creativity and unique ways of seeing the world, but unfortunately, many of us are taught to disconnect from that part of ourselves as we get older. Because of this, I’ve made it my mission to empower others through art and creativity. I am an artist because that is who I am (not because of my education/ profession, but yes! I did earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts and later a Master’s in Arts and Cultural Management from the International University of Catalunya). Those experiences shaped my perspective and do not make me more of an artist than anyone else. Growing up with a multicultural background and having the opportunity to live and work across cultures allowed me to develop a wide range of skills. I’ve consistently been involved in teaching art, supporting English language learning, working as an interpreter, and serving as a marketing director. Each role strengthened my ability to communicate, connect, and create meaningful experiences. All of these experiences have led me to where I am today and to the work I do through ¿What’s Art! Studio; a traveling Art Studio that delivers the art making experience to your planned event/ gathering. Participants enjoy a 2 hours guided painting session and keep their finished artwork! This Art Studio was created to remind people that creativity exists within every industry, every culture, and every life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles in my journey has been decision-making. I’m naturally a go-with-the-flow person and a multidisciplinary artist, so I tend to fall in love with the environments and communities I’m part of. Even if it has nothing to do with art! I had to be honest with myself and recognize that I couldn’t do it all. While I am a jack-of-all-trades, I realized that I couldn’t fully immerse myself or grow deeply in every field or industry at once. That realization led me to intentionally define my focus within the visual arts and the arts and culture sector. When you try to tap into everything, you risk not truly growing in anything. Real growth requires commitment and focus. That doesn’t mean you can’t explore other interests, but it does mean choosing one path you’re genuinely passionate about and dedicating yourself to it. Once I made that commitment, my work became more grounded, intentional, and impactful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, with a focus on figurative painting. My practice explores the experience of living between cultures. I work with a very intentional and limited color palette: the primary colors, along with black and white. This choice is both nostalgic and deeply meaningful to me, as the primary colors are also the colors of the Venezuelan flag. While the reference is subtle, it carries a powerful emotional weight.
I am most proud of my ability to connect with others through art, particularly by helping people release the pressure of perfectionism. Through ¿What’s Art! Studio, I enjoy creating spaces/ workshops where individuals can let go of self-judgment, and the idea that their work has to be “good.” Watching someone feel free enough to create without expectation is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As cliché as it may sound, risk-taking is always easier said than done. I can sit here and encourage others to take risks, but I’m also very aware of how scary it can be. While I do consider myself a risk-taker, that doesn’t mean it comes easily or without doubt. Thankfully, I am guided by faith and not by sight so I can trust and rest in knowing that the best is yet to come. I’ve learned to trust the process and to understand that growth doesn’t only come from success, but also comes from mistakes and setbacks. Even when a risk doesn’t turn out as planned, it still offers clarity, direction, and learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michelleandrea-artwork.com/book-online
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mich.a_art/
