Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michele Bledsoe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michele, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Since early childhood I have always loved to draw. Inspired by the beautifully illustrated children’s books I grew up with, I knew at a very young age that I had found my true calling. To unleash my imagination and capture all the wondrous imagery I found there was all I ever wanted to do. So many years later, I still feel the same way… and this enduring passion continues to shape my path in life.

My journey has been filled with so many amazing experiences – all because of my life-long passion for creating art. I met my husband (artist, Richard Bledsoe) at my first exhibit in downtown Phoenix. In the years to follow, my paintings and drawings had been displayed everywhere from art galleries to museums, and even a trailer in the middle of the desert.

In 2007, Richard and I founded an artist-run gallery in downtown Phoenix – providing a vibrant creative space for many local artists to exhibit their work, showcase their talents, and connect with other creatives. But, after five wonderful years, I felt the urge to move on.

My husband and I continued our creative journey together by starting our own business. We sell original art, host pop-up gallery events, organize workshops and do volunteer work. The latest addition to our business is one that brings me great joy – writing, illustrating and publishing books.

I still take part in art shows, but have shifted my focus toward creating and publishing books – A direction that brings my artistic journey full circle. It was my work in this area which resulted in my most meaningful project to date – creating and publishing a book for the participants at SEEDs for Autism.

In addition to creating art, writing my own books and managing our business, I also work with adults on the autism spectrum. I believe art is a gift from God – and that all of our talents and skills are meant to be shared. Using my creativity and skill to showcase the work of a population that is often forgotten or dismissed has meant a lot to me. It makes me very happy to see these talented individuals achieve their dreams – a happiness that I see reflected in the faces of my students who are now, published authors.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a self-taught artist I have been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. It is a passion I’ve had all my life – to draw, to make pictures – to make my internal world visible. I painted happily in secret for 15 years before it ever occurred to me to show my work in public. I had no idea that when my youngest sister practically forced me to take part in a local “mystery gallery” event that it would launch me on an artistic journey that would change my life.

What I am most proud of is the work I have done for others. Whether it is producing videos, publishing/illustrating books, building a website, running workshops, teaching, consulting, creating a newsletter or just encouraging other creatives… this is what I find most satisfying.

For this reason, many of my projects have been done free of charge. I see it as a way to help others while building my skills at the same time. Naturally, I am always pushing forward with my own personal journey… but I have come to realize that success is not measured in dollar signs.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In my book, Painting, Passion and the Art of Life…. I share what drives my creative journey:

“The desire to create is a gift from God. The ceaseless passion to paint and draw has been with me since childhood.. And by embracing this gift it has defined my path in life. By nature, the gift is selfless. It has nothing to do with the pursuit of fame and fortune. Although these things may happen along the way, the gift is so much more than that. It unleashed my imagination. It challenged my endurance and skill. It carried me through difficult times and comforted me when I was alone. The gift gave me purpose and direction. It opened a door into the deepest places of my heart and a window to my soul. As an artist I’ve found that it’s not all about me – I am just a paintbrush in God’s hand.”

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
Leo Buscaglia

The desire to create has nothing to do with making money. My dream was never about becoming rich and famous – I just wanted to keep drawing, painting and creating for the rest of my life… and that is what I do.
Art is a lifetime commitment. The endless months, years, decades invested to get my skills to match my vision. Always pushing further – I’ve loved every step of my artistic journey. This is what I was meant to do. I have dedicated my life to bringing my unique vision out into the light. I will continue to follow my passion, grow where I am planted and use my talents to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://remodernamerica.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretkingdom4688
• Other: https://secretkingdombook.wordpress.com/

Image Credits

Michele Bledsoe and Richard Bledsoe