We were lucky to catch up with Mikal Boston recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mikal, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Growing up with an artist for a mother, I was surrounded by creativity from the start. My mom’s art was a constant source of inspiration—her dedication, her process, and her creativity. Art gave her joy. It felt almost inevitable that I would develop a deep love for art too. But for a long time, I struggled with what to do with that love.
It wasn’t until I began working as an elementary art teacher in 2017 that I found the clarity I needed. Encouraging my young students to embrace their creativity and have confidence in their art gave me the push I needed to rediscover my own. Watching them grow as artists reminded me how powerful it is to just create without self-doubt. That experience ignited something in me.
In the same year, I joined my mom’s studio, and that’s when everything clicked. We became Metal Rabbit Studio, painting together and supporting each other’s creative growth. To be able to create alongside my mom, someone who had always been an artistic role mode, was nothing short of fulfilling. It’s been a journey of both artistic growth and personal connection. What started as encouragement for my students ultimately gave me the confidence to trust in my own voice as an artist.
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?
We are Metal Rabbit Studio, a mother-daughter art duo passionate about creating vibrant, colorful paintings that bring joy to others. Our studio is a space where two generations of artists come together to paint and learn from each other while sharing our love for art.
Our focus is on creating colorful and joyful artwork, with an emphasis on celebrating the beauty of women—especially Black women. We love portraying the strength, grace, and spirit of women in a way that feels vibrant and empowering. While women’s portraits are a primary theme in our work, we also draw inspiration from other subjects that capture our attention—cats, fruit, and anything that speaks to our creativity. We want our art to spread positivity and joy, and create an emotional connection with those who experience it.
What sets us apart from others is the dynamic of our mother-daughter partnership. With our unique blend of our different perspectives, my mom’s experience as a leisure artist and my more recent journey into the art world, creates a synergy that’s reflected in our work. We constantly inspire and learn from each other, which adds a depth to our art that’s personal and meaningful.
We’re most proud of the fact that we’ve built something together that reflects both of our passions and allows us to share our love for creativity with the world. Our art is a reflection of who we are, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see it resonate with others.
For anyone interested in our work, we want you to know that Metal Rabbit Studio is all about embracing creativity, supporting one another, and spreading positivity. Whether it’s through a painting of a fierce woman, a playful cat, or a simple yet vibrant fruit piece, we aim to bring a sense of joy and celebration into every home. We’re proud to be a mother-daughter duo, and we invite you to follow along on this colorful journey with us. @metalrabbitstudios www.metalrabbitstudio.org
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my ideas come to life. It is amazing to have an idea in your head, then to watch yourself bring that idea to life. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a concept or feeling and transforming it into an actual piece of art. I also love how people respond to and connect with my work. It’s always amazing when someone resonates with what I’ve created. Meeting and collaborating with other creatives has been another highlight, and it fuels my own inspiration and determination. And of course, experiencing all of this alongside my mom is truly special. The shared joy of creating together is priceless.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
One resource I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey is how to effectively use social media platforms. Learning how to navigate and engage on platforms like Instagram and TikTok has definitely been a learning curve. At first, it felt unnatural to whip out a camera every time we started painting, but I’ve come to realize that creating content is now such an important part of growing an audience as an artist. I wish I had embraced this sooner, as it’s a key tool for connecting with others and sharing our art with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.metalrabbitstudio.org
- Instagram: @metalrabbitstudios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@metalrabbitstudio
