We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Wall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents did many things well including cultivating curiosity and an appreciation of beauty in nature. Letting wonder spark a fire for learning was encouraged. Whenever I was eager to learn something my dad would state, “Why don’t you go get a book from the library?” This helped me dive into learning these arts I now so appreciate, even though I did not possess an innate talent for any of them. Artists have special eyes. My dad’s work as a photographer helped foster a unique attention from childhood. Driving the winding highway along Lake Superior, whenever we came upon a particularly lovely vista my parents would declare, “We’re talkin’ beauty folks!” This was my cue to put down my book and stop to gaze at whatever scene was before us. I still find myself lingering over details in nature that are often missed, and I am grateful for how this also helps improve my skill as an artist.

Michelle, 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?

My name is Michelle Wall. I am a modern calligrapher, watercolor and digital artist. Discovering my passion for these art forms when I needed a creative outlet during graduate school launched me into beginning Beholding Beauty Art. I create art that uplifts others across a variety of products including fine art prints, greeting cards, ornaments, and stickers. My greatest joy is when my art that helps others connect and celebrate, including custom nursery art, signage for weddings or parties, personalized engraving, and commissioned watercolor. Skills across all of these mediums makes me unique in my offerings.

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

Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Art helps me see beauty in the midst of mundane – the cheer that comes from an encouraging word, the way the sun glistens on the water, a sunrise in the early morning, or the simple bouquet of wildflowers my child brought me. As someone who is constantly thinking about a myriad of tasks at once, creating helps me be fully present. Being an artist makes me brave. I had to be willing to have expectation crash with reality, and yet continue to show up and keep the joy of creating. Years into this learning process, I am reaching deeper for new levels of boldness. Beyond the personal growth art provides, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when my art encourages someone else. I had a customer share this story, “…a friend of mine was having a terrible day. I gave her the [art print], and she just kept repeating, ‘but what if I fly.’ And she smiled. Nothing better than a friends smile. So I ordered another one for myself. Beautiful…” The way my art can bring connection, comfort, and courage to others is the deepest satisfaction I have as an artist.

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

The most critical belief I had to unlearn is that art can only be a hobby, not a successful income. I would like to say it is fully “unlearned,” but if I am honest, it is an ongoing process. Growing up, I had seen other creatives struggle to make a living along with the incredible demand and uncertainty of owning a business- long hours, massive personal investment, and sometimes little to show for it. I remember in my young adulthood strongly stating that I did not want the risk of being an entrepreneur. The irony was not lost on me when I began Beholding Beauty Art. Taking that leap to share my art with others forced me to face my fears and judgments. I also had to unlearn the lie that says, “There is not enough.” Whether that is not enough time, ability, resources, knowledge, or finances, it is easy to focus on what I lack instead of what I have. Obviously, there are healthy boundaries where we recognize and live within limits that facilitate health and balance. I had self-imposed limits rooted in fear that I needed to let go of. I love Teddy Roosevelt’s wisdom, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Within that, I also had to believe there was a need for my voice as an artist. There are many who are more skilled or successful, and it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison. But art gives voice. This quote by the artist Georgia O’Keeffe summarizes it beautifully, “Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.” Keeping this primary purpose paramount allows me to keep my passion for art thriving, causes personal growth, and grants courage to share my unique perspective with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beholdingbeautyart.com
• Instagram: @beholdingbeauty_art
• Facebook: Beholding Beauty Art

Image Credits

Michelle Wall