Meet Michelle McDonald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle McDonald.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
All of my life, I was into the arts. Very creative mind and always aware of my surroundings. There is so much inspiration all around, and my soul led me to create every chance I could.

Whether it be photography (mostly sunsets), sketching, painting, dancing, singing… I was always absorbed.

When I was 18, I found myself drawn to the art of tattooing. Anytime away from school and work, was spent at the tattoo studio, endlessly starring for hours on end in awe. What was once a fascination became my main outlet. I ended up taking on an apprenticeship for two years in a studio and worked endlessly with no pay. Open to close, I would clean the studio and consult with the clients, while also watching the other artists so I can learn the trade. I ended up taking a night job to make ends meet and basically only ate fast food. I didn’t have a lot of sleep or friends. The struggle was real. I look back now and see that there was no stopping me. I never complained, and I always focused on the task at hand.

Here I am now, ten years later, have worked for a studio and now found a good place with my art and lifestyle. I no longer work for any studio and am working on special, specific projects.

Please tell us about your art.
I love to take photos of sunsets, mainly in the same spot. So, I have a series of them that I have been doing for a few years. There’s just something about the silence and beauty, and the feeling of being engulfed by the sky during sunset. It’s a great meditation before bed to help you appreciate the beauty and rawness of nature, and it’s abundance.

I also love to paint. Sometimes commission paintings or when I’m feeling inspired. Typically, it’s to express how I feel, or someone else feels.

Same with my tattooing. I love to work on specific projects that have meaning, or that is important to my client. I love making my art a hobby because I feel more free in my expression and get to spend more time one on one with people. Building more than just a hi/bye relationship that’s all about the money.

I hope when people see my work, they feel something special or it awakens something inside of them. Giving them a sense of life, power or freedom.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I do believe so. We are basically an outlet for people. And there is so much expression happening in people that want to stand up and be themselves or make a statement. Even those who want to hold onto memories or loved ones. Tattooing is now a form of therapy.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post some things on Instagram, and you’ll see my work on people all around the country. I don’t really post my work for advertising or for a following. I used to in the past. But I believe when I practice this process, it allows me not to be attached and helps me remember it’s not about me. It’s the process and the connection with the client that matters most, the exchange of energy and transformation. Let it flow. Best left unsaid.

The best way you can support my work is by encouraging creativity in all people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kulrbom

Image Credit:
Michelle McDonald

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