We recently connected with Michele Moore and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michele thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

While all my creations hold a special place, the ‘Kevin’ hermit crab sculptures have evolved into a particularly meaningful project for me. It began with a simple fascination with the resilience of hermit crabs and their ingenious use of borrowed shells. This sparked a whimsical idea: what if I could offer them a new kind of ‘home’ crafted from bone, the very essence of a creature’s internal structure? Simply put, what they are NOT made of. Hermit have no bones you say? They do now! Well, at least, I create them that way.

My first ‘Kevin’ emerged back in 2021, almost as a playful experiment in transforming ethically sourced bones into these little characters, often incorporating found shells and other natural treasures I’d discover. Each one seemed to develop its own unique personality. For me, it was an early exploration of giving discarded natural materials a new narrative through art.

While those initial ‘Kevins’ have found cherished places in collectors’ homes, the most recent iteration, titled ‘Beyond the Plastic Tide,’ has resonated on a much deeper level.

Inspired by a call for art focused on recycled materials, I conceived of ‘Beyond the Plastic Tide’ as a commentary on our environmental impact. The sculpture features a weathered hermit crab whose ‘shell’ is a discarded prescription bottle, juxtaposed against a beautiful ocean stone collected from our local Manasota Florida shores. The crab itself is meticulously assembled from ethically sourced animal bones – delicate turtle and raccoon phalanges forming the legs, slender garfish ribs for the antennae, and unexpected details crafted from repurposed rat bones and iguana mandibles.

Creating this piece was a profoundly reflective experience. Each bone seemed to carry its own history, and the act of transforming these once-living elements into a new form felt like an acknowledgment of nature’s enduring cycle. However, the stark presence of the plastic bottle serves as an undeniable reminder of our responsibility towards the environment.

The resonance of ‘Beyond the Plastic Tide’ has been incredibly moving. I was deeply honored that the piece received 3rd place at Art Center Sarasota’s recent ‘Epoch of Change: Footprints of Humanity’ exhibition. This recognition felt particularly significant because it validated the dialogue I hoped to initiate about our relationship with the planet and the potential for finding new purpose in what we often discard.

So, while the ‘Kevin’ series initially sprang from a lighthearted curiosity about nature’s ingenuity, ‘Beyond the Plastic Tide’ has become a powerful symbol of my commitment to both artistic expression and environmental consciousness. It embodies the idea that art can be both aesthetically engaging and a catalyst for important conversations about the world we inhabit.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Well, hello to those who are just discovering the wonderfully weird world of Bone Boutique and the more introspective realm of Images of Therapy! I’m Michele Moore, and alongside my incredibly talented husband, Phillip S. Moore, we’re based in North Port, Florida. Phillip is a veteran artist with a unique and vibrant perspective, often influenced by his color blindness, and his powerful artwork is a vital part of Images of Therapy. Together, Phillip and I co-founded Images of Therapy, driven by a shared belief in art’s healing and transformative potential. Our core mission is to ignite creativity in individuals, guiding them on journeys of self-discovery and emotional well-being through artistic exploration. We envision our art as ‘windows towards a brighter future.’

My own journey into the rather unconventional ‘industry’ of bone art, which led to the creation of Bone Boutique, was somewhat serendipitous. For years, I’ve been drawn to the beauty and intricacies of the natural world. This fascination, coupled with a growing awareness of waste and the potential for repurposing, sparked a curiosity about bones – not as morbid relics, but as intricate structures with an inherent beauty and history. Bone Boutique actually came into being before Images of Therapy, fueled by this unique artistic exploration.

It wasn’t a straightforward path. There was a significant learning curve involving a lot of trial and error in terms of ethical sourcing, cleaning, and preservation techniques. It took several years of experimentation to arrive at the methods we use today. But the more I worked with bone, the more I saw its potential as an artistic medium. It felt like uncovering a hidden language within nature itself.

Bone Boutique is a significant part of what we do, where this unique passion for bone art truly comes to life. We handcraft exquisite jewelry – earrings, necklaces, bracelets – and distinctive sculptural pieces from ethically sourced animal bones. Our mission is multifaceted: to honor the legacy of arts and culture, to champion sustainability by giving these natural materials a second, beautiful life, and to connect our wearers and viewers with the often-overlooked intricacies of the natural world. We aim to foster a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty that can be found in the unexpected.

And within Images of Therapy, both Phillip’s and my own artwork find a home. While Phillip’s pieces often explore themes of healing, self-discovery, and emotional well-being through his distinctive lens, I also contribute my paintings to this venture. My painting often focuses on capturing the beauty of our local Southwest Florida landscapes and the vibrant life within them, sometimes even incorporating the unique surfaces of bone as a canvas, as seen in my ‘Bone Canvases.’

So, what ‘problems’ do we solve? For our Bone Boutique clients, we offer a way to express their individuality and their commitment to sustainability through truly unique pieces that are conversation starters. In a world of mass-produced items, our work provides a tangible connection to nature and a conscious choice for eco-friendly artistry. Through Images of Therapy, both Phillip’s and my art aim to offer solace, inspiration, and a reminder of the healing power of creative expression and the beauty that surrounds us.

What sets us apart? I believe it’s the genuine passion and intention behind everything we do. Our commitment to ethical sourcing of animal bones is paramount. We’re not contributing to the commercial bone trade; instead, we work with road finds, donations, and partnerships with local hunters, anglers, and farms. The hands-on nature of our craft, the years of learning and refining our techniques, and the deeply personal connection we have with our materials all contribute to the unique character of our work. Plus, the juxtaposition of delicate beauty with the often-misunderstood medium of bone, alongside the diverse artistic expressions within Images of Therapy, creates a compelling and memorable experience.

What am I most proud of? I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around our work – the people who appreciate the unique stories our pieces tell and who share our values. I’m also deeply proud of the powerful and moving artwork that both Phillip and I create through Images of Therapy and the positive impact it has on others. And, of course, the recent recognition for the ‘Beyond the Plastic Tide’ sculpture was a significant and humbling moment.

What do I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know? I want them to understand that our work, across both Bone Boutique and Images of Therapy, is created with genuine love, respect for nature, and a deep commitment to ethical practices and artistic integrity. We pour our hearts into every piece, and we hope that connection resonates with those who choose to bring our art into their lives. We’re not just selling objects or showcasing paintings; we’re sharing a perspective, a story, and a belief in the beauty and resilience of the natural world and the power of creative expression..

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

That’s a crucial question, and I believe fostering a thriving creative ecosystem starts with a fundamental shift in consumer mindset. We’ve become so accustomed to the convenience of ordering from massive online retailers, often overlooking the incredible talent and unique offerings within our own communities.

One of the most impactful things society can do is to consciously choose to support small businesses and creatives through their purchasing power. I understand that trust can be a hurdle, especially online. That’s why I’ve worked hard to build a transparent online presence for Bone Boutique, with a fully functional website offering various secure payment options and Google certifications. My personal and business profiles are easily found across social media platforms, providing a clear picture of who Phillip and I are and the authenticity of our work. The information and proof are there for those willing to look.

So, I wholeheartedly agree that individuals need to take that extra step – to do their homework, to seek out their local artists and makers, and to choose to buy directly from them. Yes, it might sometimes mean paying a little more than a mass-produced item, but the value you receive in return is immeasurable. You’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in someone’s passion, their livelihood, and the unique cultural fabric of your community.

This conscious consumerism has a beautiful ripple effect. It directly stimulates local economies, allowing artists and small businesses to thrive, innovate, and continue contributing their unique perspectives to the world. Big box stores simply don’t have the same vested interest in your well-being or the vibrancy of your neighborhood.

And for those who may not be in a financial position to purchase art right now, there are still incredibly valuable ways to support creatives. Sharing their work, recommending their websites and social media pages, and simply spreading the word is a powerful and free way to amplify their reach and connect them with potential buyers.

Ultimately, a thriving creative ecosystem relies on a conscious and engaged society that values originality, craftsmanship, and the vital role artists play in enriching our lives and communities. It’s about recognizing that supporting the arts isn’t just a transaction; it’s an investment in our collective well-being and cultural future.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most profoundly rewarding aspect of being an artist is the power to inspire others. It’s witnessing that initial flicker of curiosity transform into a full-blown blaze of creative energy – you can almost feel the shift in the air, the renewed vibration within them.

There’s a particular magic in seeing someone’s initial reaction to the materials or the work – sometimes it’s a momentary pause, almost a breath caught in their throat, reminiscent of that awe and wonder they might have felt as a child stepping into a Natural History Museum for the first time. In an instant, they’re transported to a realm of imagination and possibility.

This is what fueled the creation of the North Port Paint Posse, a weekly plein air paint group. It’s about sharing that ‘art fever,’ about providing a welcoming space for community members to pick up a brush for the very first time or to rediscover a passion that has lain dormant for decades. Seeing that spark ignite, watching them shed any hesitation and embrace their own creative voice – that’s the ultimate reward. It’s about giving the gift of that wonder and the joy of creation to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boneboutique.biz/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboneboutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boneboutique1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-moore-bone-boutique/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bone_Boutique

Image Credits

Michele & Phillip Moore