We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Fu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Painting has always been a process bigger than myself. I characterized each stroke as another step away from reality; from this escape, I slowly found a comforting rhythm that pulled me away from life outside each time I returned to a canvas, turning the weight of reality into something beautiful and tangible. I particularly enjoyed painting landscapes. This was my preferred route of escape, as it allowed me to travel whenever I wanted. My work “Haven” was my way of showing my audience exactly how I feel when I paint. “Haven” is an oil painting inside a small, wooden box. You’ll find the entrance to the box is a small path that leads you through a forest of birch trees. As you come closer to the box, you begin to loose sight of your surroundings and the more you are able to see the details of the forest. This piece sits close to my heart, as it demanded a new depth of vulnerability to finally invite others to come explore my safe place with me.

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?

I remember the first time I decided to try oil painting, immediately falling in love with the slow-drying nature. I loved that each layer took its time to settle, giving me the freedom to revisit my work, adjust my vision, and create depth that felt alive on the canvas. However it wasn’t painting that introduced me to my love for art. At first, I found mixed media especially interesting, since the works were created with layers and layers of material, all of which weren’t necessarily seen by the audience. As time went on, I combined my past with mixed media to my skill of oil painting. I now continue to push myself to make pieces that will connect to the audience on a deeper level.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to express and communicate complex emotions and ideas through your work. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create something that resonates with others. The journey of exploration—discovering new techniques, experimenting with materials, and pushing the boundaries of your creativity—also brings a profound sense of growth and satisfaction. It’s the moments when someone sees a piece of your art and feels understood or inspired that make every second worth it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One aspect even I struggled to understand prior to my journey as an artist is the emotional and psychological depth of the creative process. To many, art may seem like a simple form of expression, but for artists, it’s often a deeply personal journey. Each piece can carry the weight of personal experiences and expose an artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings to the world.

Ultimately, understanding that art is not just about the final product but also about the journey—the exploration, the mistakes, and the growth. An artist can spend hours, days, or even months refining a piece, altering it until it feels right. This process can be messy and nonlinear, requiring patience and resilience. Once you embrace this complexity, it causes you to see the artwork in a different light and helps you develop a deeper appreciation for the art itself and the artist behind it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleefuu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleefuu/