Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Michaelis
Hi Chloe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with art began in childhood, as it does for many. I started painting in my early teens, driven by a desire to create something beautiful for my walls. With a chaotic home life, I found solace in my room, painting the things I cherished. Over time, this evolved into a quest to find moments of peace, intrigue, and beauty in the spaces and scenes around my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Imposter syndrome—the nagging question of “Am I really…?”—can be a tough hurdle to overcome. While I’ve faced many challenges in life, painting and creating art have always been my anchor. It’s easy to doubt myself and let those thoughts overwhelm me, but returning to my core intentions—rooted in a desire for tranquility—has brought me moments of peace. These moments help me recognize that I am a painter simply because I paint.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Through my work, I aim to reveal hidden stories and evoke emotions from the spaces around us. I’m deeply engaged in education, building close relationships within and beyond my work, using objects to tell stories of place and belonging. My commitment to school and community programs drives my art to continuously evolve through learning, making active community involvement essential.
I primarily paint with watercolor and gouache, appreciating the versatility and responsiveness of these mediums. My focus is on the interactions of color, light, and shape, creating small narratives within the objects and personal spaces that surround me.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t give up. It’s a phrase that’s been said countless times by many before and after me. I almost dropped out of school and have paused my art-making more times than I can count. But at the end of the day, it’s all about seeking the things that bring you joy. If someone offers a negative comment, remember—it’s just their opinion. Don’t let it define you; take the feedback or leave it.
Now, I work in education, teaching art to kids and teens. This experience fulfills me beyond my own practice and constantly reminds me why I create. There’s a unique joy in feeling accomplished with a single brushstroke or smiling at how two colors blend together. Ultimately, it’s about fueling myself and inspiring others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chloe-michaelis.square.site
- Instagram: @chloe.michaelis.art
