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Michelle Stagg Ottley

My passion for art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Art education and appreciation was fostered by my father, who was an artist himself. As a young child, our family travels in Stateside and abroad often included trips to art museums and historical buildings to admire the art and architecture alike.

As a young adult, I studied Art History and received my B.F.A in Graphic Design from Auburn University before moving to my permanent residence in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, my creative journey has taken many forms, from being a graphic designer, an art gallery technician, owner/designer of a ceramics company, and a co-owner/designer of an interior design company. Through all the years, one creative outlet remained the same, my passion of painting.

I balance my time between my homes in Atlanta and St Simons Island, Georgia. I find my creative inspiration from balancing my time between the city life and the beach life. The city provides the excitement of a fast pace energy found in the constant movement, sounds and diversity of cultures. While the beach offers a relaxed experience surrounded in its abundance of natural beauty and color in its flora and fauna.

I believe Art is an expressive world where the options are endless. You begin by learning the formal rules of composition, design, and mediums, but those “rules” are even better if you push them, break them, collaborate them, and explore. I enjoy painting with a wide array of mediums, including acrylic, graphite, inks, oils and watercolors. Whether I’m working on an abstract, a whimsical watercolor or anything in between, I love painting with bright bold colors. The colors and movements of the paint transports my memory back to the inspiring sites, sounds and energy of my travels - whether it be Stateside or abroad.

When it comes to living daily life, my outlook is much the same as my approach to creating art. I believe in learning from my mistakes and consider them a life lesson instead of a failure. I face challenges head on and believe in giving “it” my all. I believe in living life full of passion, respect for all, staying positive and being present in the moment. I always move forward and constantly on the search for my next adventure.