Meet Michelle Todaro

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

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always had an affinity for elements of artistic design and aesthetics. My decorative finishes are applied to a range of different areas such as, walls, ceilings, cabinets, furniture, and floor designs. I give careful consideration to the personal styles of each designer and the preferences of my clients. I consider myself a “personal painter” because my work consistently has a direct relationship with my client, reflecting something about them or their environment. I don’t consider this just a way to make a living, this is my passion!

My interest in painting began in my early childhood, growing up with the beautiful backdrop of Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was there that I was always able to stay connected to nature and let it inspire me. As a child I spent many hours wondering the woods and daydreaming I believe for me, the opportunity to do so really helped develop a strong imagination. Being around nature inspires me the most and is why I believe I have such a love for working with my hands, it’s a way of feeling connected and giving something beautiful back.

I was always fond of painting and creating something but it wasn’t until friends started asking for help in their homes with decor and paint that my work gained momentum, got recognized and referrals started calling. It was then I realized I could make a career of this so I took it upon myself to get classic training in the decorative arts and did an apprenticeship as well. My goal is to bring quality and knowledge that will leave you with a lasting finish that you will love for years to come and meet some great people along the way…

Please tell us about your art.
I would like to believe that I’m always creating something, whether for a client or just in my everyday life. I work on everything from residential and commercial spaces to furniture and canvas. If I think back my first piece of furniture I “up-cycled” was an old beat up work bench of my Grandfathers, mind you I was probably about 11 or 12 and I repurposed it in my bedroom I remember being feeling so good overtime I looked at that piece, all pink and green! Sigh… I think the message I want people to receive is surround yourself with a space that inspires you. The “real world” can sometimes alter our being we feel down, uninspired and unhappy, so for me surrounding myself with color and things that uplift my mood help me keep alive my childlike zeal for life. Creating no matter big or small is taking time to do something that “some” may say is unnecessary but honestly if you enjoy doing it and makes you happy then that is really SOMETHING!

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?
Speaking for myself I do believe the bleakness of the state of affairs played out in front of us on a daily basis can be difficult, I believe artist tend to feel this with intensity and maybe that’s why we use art to alter our reality. From the beginning of time there have been artist putting their stamp on current affairs or beliefs, some have been reared genius others have been ridiculed. I don’t think this will ever change, although either way, I believe stirring up conversation through something like art is never a bad thing. The work that I personally do is not in that realm at this point in my life but by all means I appreciate the fellow artist that takes the passionate risk and puts him or herself out there.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can contact me and see snippets of my work through Facebook, Instagram @todarofauxfinishes or my website http://www.todarofauxfinishes.com 

Contact Info:

• Address: Phoenix, Arizona
• Website: http://www.todarofauxfinishes.com
• Phone: 602-578-1699
• Email: todarofaux@gmail.com
• Instagram: @todarofauxfinishes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todarofauxfinishes/

Image Credit:
All photo content is my own

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.