We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Owenby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Michelle 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?
As long as I can remember, I’ve loved collecting books and using markers, colored pencils, pens, paints, stamps, decorative paper, journals, books and magazines – all the things that bring artful inspiration. Since I was a little girl growing up in Asheville, NC, things have always been a feast for my eyes; everything looked like art to me: colors, shapes, patterns, nature + architecture. It took years for me to allow myself the indulgence of chasing my love of those things. I had no idea how deeply all of that resonated inside of me and how much joy and peace it would bring.
Several years ago, I experienced a spiritual revelation that brought forth a whole new direction to my life; it awakened the parts of me that had been lulled to sleep since my childhood. The Lord put new purpose, passion and meaning in my life and that ignited a fire in me that is involuntarily expressed through my creative work.
As I began exploring my creative side again, I quickly realized what a gift it was, it allowed me to reveal my emotions and speak things on paper that I often couldn’t say with my words.
As part of my regular art practice and an ongoing series, I sit quietly in my studio in prayer and meditation and pour out my “Prayers in Color.” These paintings are full of specific wishes, prayers, and intentions and help keep me centered on what brought me back to my creative pursuit.
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 was born in Asheville, NC with a deeply rooted “maker” heritage. I have developed a love of crafting, art, nature, travel + spirituality which greatly inform the foundation of my work. Greatly influenced by my mother and grandmother, I have enjoyed using my hands and imagination since childhood to create artful objects. My work often reflects colors and patterns found in nature where much of my childhood was spent with my dad, who was an avid outdoorsman. I enjoy a clean, abstract aesthetic using mainly water-based mediums, paper, and natural fibers. My works are mostly spiritual and reflective outpourings that I try to nurture daily. I am honored to say my work has been seen throughout the Southeast and licensed in worldwide markets.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
If I’ve learned anything over the last year or so, it’s that great strength comes from allowing yourself to be vulnerable. I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true. So much growth, connection and strength is nurtured when we admit we don’t have all the answers. Wouldn’t it be great if we could share the parts we want to hide, receive the love and wisdom of others who have been there and then encourage one another to walk out our new truth? Gentleness and vulnerability is where it’s at!
There are too many people being crushed under the burden of pretending they have it all figured out. Have you noticed them hustling to cover up their failures and putting off that bulletproof vibe that no one could penetrate? That doesn’t invite connectedness; it repels it. It’s so much easier to show our flaws; we find authenticity and community there. It’s in that place of surrender that we grow and connect in ways we never, ever dreamed.
I’m a mess on a daily basis and am gratefully aware of how vulnerable I am. I know it’s only through my Savior I get one single thing right. I gladly beg for his covering grace! I’m more about speaking truth in kindness, having a steady hand with a gentle touch, and letting everyone see the kindness of my heart so we can walk through this world side by side. We all have access to the grace needed to be vulnerable, connected, accepted and loved.
In my willingness to be a little more gentle and vulnerable, I found great joy stepping into that uncomfortable space that yields so many beautiful rewards.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think almost every creative person struggles with self-doubt occasionally. Much of my work is very personal, so sharing it publicly can be a very vulnerable and humbling experience. The way I push past any insecurities I have is by reminding myself that my work is not for me; it’s meant for someone else, to bring someone else joy or hope or love, and it is only my job to make it and offer it without expectation. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michelleowenby.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleowenbydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelleowenbydesign
Image Credits
Christine Hamrich Photography