A Dream Deferred but Not Lost
'Focus on Joy" Color Pencils on Paper. 2012.
Then
Art was always something I enjoyed doing, but for many years, it was not a priority. I focused on raising my family and my career as an educator. I only created art as examples for my middle school art students. But something was missing in my life. I wasn't fulfilled. I always dreamt of becoming a successful professional artist. When I was very young, I would draw pictures for my friends and put them in little homemade frames made out of popsicle sticks. I would imagine my work being on the walls of art museums, galleries, and people's homes. As the years went by, that dreamed seemed so distant. Honestly, I was too afraid to follow my dream. "What if I fail?" "What if no one likes or appreciates my work?" "What if no one purchases my art?" These questions always ran through my mind until one day, I bought some fancy colored pencils. I sat down after dinner and began to draw. It felt like I was transported to another world. My long lost dream had finally resurfaced and I've been filled with peace, positive energy, and determination to succeed ever since. I knew that if I didn't try to pursue my dream, I had already failed.
"Let your light shine so brightly that others can see their way out of the dark."
– Michelle Lee
'Breeze' Graphite, Watercolor and Colored Pencils on Paper. 2019.
Now
I've decided to take the leap of faith and become a professional artist. Currently, I'm working on a series of mixed media pieces that showcase people in nature with butterflies all around them. The people are in black and white because in today's world, people (including myself) are so consumed with ourselves, social media, to-do-lists, and technology that we miss out on the beauty that's all around us — the fluffy clouds slowly drifting by, the breeze in the trees, the butterflies fluttering by without a care, etc. The butterflies (nature) are in color because they deserve to be the focus of our attention. My artwork has become my reminder that I am a small part of this amazing universe and need to appreciate all blessings, big and small. My work is a reminder to myself to stay positive, focus on the good, and I want my audience to feel the positive energy I used to create my art. It's all about spreading the love.
About The Artist
Michelle Lee of InspiringLee is an independent artist who currently resides in Arlington, TX. She received her formal education at Dillard University, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Business Management in the Arts, and has been an art teacher for many years. Michelle's passion is creating inspirational artwork influenced by the beauty of the natural world. She aims to "insert a bit of positive energy into her viewer’s day" with her artwork. Her artwork is created by using a combination of watercolors, graphite, and colored pencils. Michelle's goal is to highlight the beauty that's all around us. "I want to encourage people to pause and be inspired," says Michelle. Her work has been on display in Cleo's Creations Fine Art Gallery in Fort Worth, TX. Michelle also illustrated the book Momma's Braids, by Kimberly Griffin. Her work has been featured in The RAW Premiere and Envision art shows and several Chocolate and Conception art shows in Dallas, TX. Michelle's paintings have found homes in public and private collections across the world, which is one of her greatest honors.