We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michele Moore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michele below.

Michele, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Absolutely, my work has been misunderstood and mischaracterized, especially in the early days!

Back in 2016, I was just starting to explore using animal bones in my art. At the time, I was still working in banking and creating art was a passion project. I made Christmas gifts for friends and family using ethically sourced bones, and the initial response was fascinating. Some people were truly captivated by the unique pieces, while others were simply horrified by the idea.

The following year, I participated in a community yard sale with my mother-in-law. The response was a mixed bag – some were intrigued, while others were openly disgusted. Frankly, I was caught off guard and a little offended by the negative reactions. It was difficult to navigate the situation – those who loved the work became quite enthusiastic, bordering on obsessive, while those who didn’t understand were quite vocal in their disapproval.

Feeling discouraged and without a clear way to communicate my artistic vision, I considered giving up on my art career altogether. For years, I poured my heart into creating pieces, but wasn’t connecting with a wider audience.

The turning point came during a conversation with a friend. He mentioned that I ethically sourced the bones, giving them a “second life” through my art. This conversation sparked a light bulb moment! I realized I hadn’t been effectively communicating the story behind my work – the ethical sourcing practices, the connection to sustainability, and the beautiful transformations I was creating.

Armed with this newfound understanding, I began researching relevant terminology like “responsible processing,” “slow fashion,” and “ethically sourced” materials. More importantly, I embraced storytelling – sharing the stories of the animals themselves, the impact of urban sprawl on wildlife, and the creation process. Suddenly, everything clicked!

People began to connect with the stories behind my art. We started receiving calls from local farms and hunters interested in donating animal remains. The “story” got out, and it completely transformed our business.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson, “The Story” matters. People are drawn to the narrative behind the art, the deeper meaning and purpose. By embracing storytelling and communication, I was able to bridge the gap and connect with a wider audience who truly appreciates the unique beauty and sustainability of my work.

In retrospect, the initial misunderstanding was actually a blessing in disguise. It pushed me to refine my communication style and ultimately led to the success of Bone Boutique.

Michele, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Creativity runs deep in my veins. My mother, a lifelong home economics teacher and avid crafter, instilled in me a love for creating with my hands. For years, I channeled this passion into designing jewelry with gemstones and rocks. However, after the 2008 economic downturn, I put my creative pursuits on hold.

Life took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon a pair of armadillo vertebrae earrings while helping my husband clean a wild boar skull. Recognizing the bone, a spark ignited within me. I started collecting ethically sourced bones – some roadkill, some donations from local farms and hunters – and crafted unique Christmas gifts for loved ones in 2016. This marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine my artistic expression and lead to the birth of Bone Boutique in 2017.

Grief after my mother’s passing in 2017 fueled my creativity. I poured my emotions into these art pieces, finding solace in honoring the connection between life and death. The bones themselves became my inspiration, each one with a unique story to tell.

Bone Boutique goes beyond creating beautiful, sustainable art. We offer a meaningful alternative to mass-produced jewelry. Our pieces are ethically sourced and responsibly processed, ensuring respect for the animals. We believe that adornment is a way to express yourself and your values, and our work allows people to connect with nature in a personal way.

Our process is simple yet meticulous. We curate bones from local sources, ensuring responsible processing through water maceration, sun whitening, and sanitation. We then hand-craft each piece, transforming the bones into stunning jewelry, sculptures, fully articulated animal models, and even paintings.

What sets us apart? We take pride in the impeccable cleanliness and natural beauty of our work. We curate everything in-house, ensuring quality control and avoiding the use of 3D printing or mass-produced bones. This allows us to keep our prices affordable, making our art a truly accessible art form. We believe everyone deserves to own a piece of nature’s beauty.

Beyond creating art, we’re actively involved with our community. We participate in the local chamber of commerce and are proud recipients of several awards for both our business and artwork. We are also the 2023 Rookie of the Year from the North Port Area Chamber and Most Unique Business in North Port.

Our core values guide everything we do. Sustainability is paramount, ensuring our ethically sourced bones are responsibly processed. We maintain high ethical standards throughout our practices. Each piece is a testament to our artistic pride, handcrafted with beauty and meaning in mind. Uniqueness is at the heart of our work, as each item tells a story through the one-of-a-kind bone it’s crafted from. Ultimately, our art fosters a deeper connection to nature, allowing people to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and all living things.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can play a crucial role in nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem by fostering appreciation, accessibility, and ethical consumerism.

Art appreciation is key. Supporting local art walks, museums, and attending artist talks allows artists to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. Sharing your discoveries on social media or recommending compelling artists through word-of-mouth can significantly amplify their reach.

Many people might be intimidated by traditional art galleries. Supporting initiatives that create open studio spaces, pop-up art markets, or artist showcases in community centers can make art more approachable for everyone.

Making conscious choices about where you purchase art directly impacts artists’ livelihoods. Seek out artists who use sustainable and ethical practices, like Bone Boutique’s commitment to ethically sourced bones. By valuing the story behind the art and the craftsmanship involved, you’re not just buying a piece – you’re supporting an artist’s creative journey.

Look beyond trends and mass-produced items. We’re often bombarded by trends and celebrity endorsements, but these big-ticket purchases from large corporations rarely benefit the individual artist. Dead artists are, well, dead, and won’t see a dime from your support. The true magic lies in supporting living artists in your community. Seek them out, explore their work, and if it resonates with you, invest in their journey.

Every purchase, big or small, makes a difference. If a particular artist is outside your budget, consider supporting a local artist whose work you can afford. Even if you can’t buy something right now, sharing their work on social media or recommending them to your friends can significantly boost their visibility. This kind of grassroots support encourages a wave of entrepreneurial influx, allowing artists to pursue their passions and contribute to a vibrant creative landscape.

Ultimately, by appreciating art, making it accessible, and valuing ethical practices, along with supporting local, living artists, society can create a thriving creative ecosystem where artists can flourish.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is twofold. First, it’s the daily inspiration the work spark in others. Seeing people connect with my work and feel empowered to pursue their own creative passions is incredibly fulfilling. Bone Boutique wasn’t just about creating art – it became a platform to inspire others to embrace their talents and chase their dreams.

Secondly, being an artist as an entrepreneur allows me to actively contribute to my community. Owning my own business offers the flexibility to volunteer and give back in meaningful ways. This sense of service adds another layer of fulfillment to my artistic journey.

It’s truly a gift to be able to do what I love while making a positive impact on others. The fact that my work, crafted from an unusual medium like bones, has been so well-received and recognized by my peers and community is a tremendous honor. It reinforces the message that daring to be different, daring to be happy, and daring to be curious can lead to incredible outcomes. Bone Boutique is a testament to the power of embracing your unique voice and sharing it with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boneboutique.biz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboneboutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boneboutique1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bone_Boutique

Image Credits

Michele Moore has taken all photos.