The Simple Life

Michelle has been a keen artist for many years now, developing her practice further when she joined Creative Minds. It was here she heard about the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition and began exhibiting. 

Michelle developed a mental illness at the age of eighteen during high school. She had big hopes of becoming a fashion designer, but lost her motivation to sew and attend school due to her illness. Despite undertaking many classes over the years, Michelle has always struggled with her self-esteem. These days, she is much more settled in life and has a cleaning job.

On a recent visit to the coastal town of Gisborne in New Zealand, where I was born, a friend and I decided to go out and take photos of this beautiful coastline. I added a caravan to my painting, as it is quite common for people to be living in caravans like gypsies beside the sea there. I imagine it would be a great lifestyle living along the coast.  I used acrylic paint to capture this work. with textures peeking through in the fine lines I used for the grass. I think this work showcases the beauty of the landscape, with the caravan adding a pop of interest and personality.