We recently connected with Michelle Katz and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I first began painting in 2020, which, in many ways, marked a major shift in my life. Like so many people, the onset of the pandemic caused a huge disruption to my career. I had been working as a film and TV producer for years, but suddenly, I was faced with the reality of not being able to work anymore. It was a challenging time, but it also forced me to pause, to reevaluate what really mattered, and to explore new avenues for expression and healing.

At that time, I moved away from Los Angeles to Idyllwild, a small mountain community about 6,000 feet above Palm Springs. I was six years into living with a chronic illness and, with my regular work and the healing routines I had relied on in LA now out of reach, I found myself with a lot of time and very few options. I couldn’t go to the places I used to visit to take care of myself—healers, wellness centers, therapy spaces—so I had to find something that would nurture me from within.

The house I moved into had a gazebo, and I decided to transform it into a makeshift art studio. Every day, I would spend hours outside, painting in the sunshine, without any real plan or goal in mind. At first, it was purely experimental. I was just playing with colors, shapes, and textures—something simple and freeing that allowed me to step away from the stress and pressures I’d been carrying.

What began as an outlet for creativity quickly became something much deeper. I started to notice that at the end of each day, I felt physically better. The chronic pain and fatigue that usually defined my life seemed to ease after spending hours painting in nature, immersed in the colors and the landscape that surrounded me. It was as though the act of creating, combined with the natural energy of the mountains, was becoming a form of medicine for me—one I hadn’t anticipated but was deeply grateful for.

As the months went on, painting became a much larger part of my life. It wasn’t just a way to pass the time during this isolating chapter—it became a vital source of healing and self-expression. I started to explore the connection between my physical body, my emotions, and the world around me in ways I hadn’t before. Art, for me, became not just a creative pursuit, but a form of personal therapy and a bridge back to health, in both mind and body.

Looking back, I realize that this journey—of moving away from the city, of slowing down, of exploring new ways to heal and express myself—has completely changed the way I see my work as an artist. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about the process itself, the healing that happens during that process, and the deeper connection to both self and nature that it fosters. My mission now is to share that sense of restoration and joy with others through my art, in hopes that it might offer the same kind of solace and empowerment that it’s given 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’m an abstract artist who works primarily with color, texture, and natural forms, and my goal is to create pieces that resonate visually and offer a sense of healing and renewal. When doing commissions, I tune into my client’s energy and channel it into the artwork, feeling into the story they’re experiencing.

I’m not a trained artist, though I’ve always been creative, starting with my background as a songwriter from a young age.

In 2018, I began traveling to the Amazon Jungle to work with plant medicine and indigenous shamans, which deepened my healing journey. This experience opened me to new ways of seeing, revealing colors, symbols, and visions with greater clarity. The influence of plant medicine has been profound in my art, helping me tap into a deeper creative space and guiding me to start painting two years into this work. The visions I encountered during these experiences have shaped my understanding of color and form, which I now channel into my paintings.

After my move to Idyllwild, I met fellow artist John Marin, who suggested we find a warm space to paint as winter approached and my gazebo had no heat. This led to the creation of a shared studio, which John later turned into Wylldwood Gallery. I now share this space with John and his husband/painter Michael Brown. This was a pivotal moment in my journey—it shifted my art from a personal hobby to a professional practice. Through Wylldwood Gallery, I began selling my work and connecting with other artists and clients, which was both exciting and transformative.

Today, my work focuses on creating abstract, nature-inspired pieces that draw from the colors and textures of the landscapes around me. What sets my art apart is the deep connection I have to its healing properties. I don’t just create to make something beautiful; I create to share the sense of restoration and peace that painting brings into my life. Many clients tell me my work evokes calm and balance, and that’s something I hold dear. For me, art is not just personal expression—it’s a powerful tool for transformation and healing, both for the artist and the viewer.

What I’m most proud of is how far my work has come—from a personal outlet for self-care to being part of the art community at Wylldwood Gallery, where I now sell my pieces. It’s a testament to art’s power to grow and evolve, and to how creativity can open unexpected doors.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my art comes from a place of deep intention. It’s not just about filling a space with a painting—it’s about creating pieces that support well-being, peace, and connection. Each piece holds the energy of my healing process, and I hope that energy resonates with those who experience it. My art is not only a reflection of my journey; it’s a tool for healing and transformation. For anyone struggling with disconnection, lack of purpose, or chronic conditions, my work can serve as a bright spot in your home and a catalyst for your own healing journey.

What sets me apart is the personal connection I have to the healing aspects of art. For me, creating isn’t just about making something visually appealing; it’s about how the process—and the final piece—can contribute to a more balanced, harmonious life. I believe art is a form of therapy, not just for the artist, but for the viewer as well. Many of my clients share how my work brings them a sense of calm and helps them feel more centered, which is incredibly meaningful to me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2014, I was the VP of Production at a television network in Los Angeles when, as if struck out of thin air, I became debilitated. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. I was suddenly bedridden, grappling with severe neurological symptoms—brain fog, depression, anxiety, racing thoughts, cognitive issues, dysautonomia, and an ever-growing list of other terrifying symptoms. It was the most traumatic experience I had ever faced.

At the time, I was used to solving problems for multi-million dollar productions, managing complex projects for large studios and networks. But here I was, facing a problem I couldn’t fix, and my life depended on it. For three years, I was essentially housebound, overwhelmed by mental anguish and out-of-body experiences that felt like something out of a horror movie. But it wasn’t a movie—it was my new reality.

As things grew increasingly dark, I drifted in and out of the ER, teetering on the edge of not making it. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, I tapped into a strength and resilience I didn’t know I had. After seeing 18 doctors who couldn’t help me, I finally found someone in Austin, Texas, who properly diagnosed me with mercury poisoning. That was the turning point. From there, I began the long road to recovery, and I’m now near the end of that journey.

Looking back, I realize that my body and life had become a reflection of how out of alignment I had become with my creativity. I had always been an artist, musician, and writer, yet my life had been overtaken by stress and the constant suppression of my emotions. My pivot from an LA producer to a spiritual artist living in the mountains is a constant reminder that I survived that dark chapter and used it as a tool for deep transformation. It’s a transformation I can now pass along to others, inspiring them to heal and reconnect with their own creative essence. I’ve just completed my spiritual memoir, “Awakening in the Age of Metals”, which documents my entire journey—from Hollywood to the jungle to the present moment. I can’t wait to share it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For much of my life, I believed that in order to do anything right, you had to have structured training and learn from someone who was considered an “authority.” This mindset was ingrained in me throughout my career, and it also drove my approach to health and healing. In my work, I relied heavily on the expertise of others, always seeking approval from trained professionals, from those with the “right” credentials. It made sense to me that someone with authority could provide the roadmap I needed—whether in my professional life or in my quest for physical healing.

But everything changed when I realized that I didn’t need someone else’s approval, or to be led by an outside “expert,” to move forward. The real breakthrough came when I discovered that I could tap into my own intuition. I realized that I had the ability to heal myself—physically and creatively—without needing validation from any outside source. That was the moment everything shifted for me.

I started to understand that I was capable of listening to my body and my inner voice, and this deep, internal knowing became my guide. I had spent so many years searching for solutions from external sources, from doctors, from industry professionals, from experts who were supposed to have the answers. Yet, it was only when I turned inward, trusting what I already knew in my gut, that I began to experience real healing and creative growth. It was a pivotal moment when I understood that in order to move forward, I actually had to unlearn everything I had been programmed to believe. That unlearning is the wellspring of great art.

I think women, especially, are often sold the idea that their voices, their intuition, and their desires are secondary or less valid than those of others—whether it’s a professional or even a healer. We’re taught to look outward for direction, and to place someone else’s authority above our own wisdom. Nothing could be further from the truth. What I’ve learned, through both my creative and healing journey, is that the only way to truly make progress—whether in art, in business, or in health—is to trust your own inner voice.

It’s that inner voice, that intuitive knowing, which holds the key to freedom. For years, I silenced it, thinking that the experts knew better than I did. But when I finally started to listen to my own instincts, I realized that all along, I had been the one who had the answers. I had always been capable of healing myself, of creating my own path, and I was only holding myself back by seeking permission or validation from others.

Now, I trust that voice with everything. I don’t wait for someone else’s approval, and I certainly don’t need permission to heal or create. That shift in mindset has been the most liberating experience of my life, and it’s this self-trust that has allowed me to embrace both my art and my health in ways I never thought possible.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that trusting yourself—your intuition—is the most powerful and transformative choice you can make. It’s the key to unlocking the life you’re meant to live, the art you’re meant to create, and the healing you’re capable of achieving. Your voice, your instincts—they are not secondary, they are central. And they are your ticket to freedom.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellekatzart.com
• Instagram: @michelle_o_katz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567242609042
• Other: SHOPIFY STORE: https://wstk0a-n1.myshopify.com/
  SUBSTACK : “BROKEN AND HEALED: https://michellekatz.substack.com/

Image Credits

Cate Katz
Wylldwood Gallery