Art Talk with Michelle Martin
[mm] I grew up in Springfield. I lived on the southwest part of town and graduated from Kickapoo. I moved away for college, then lived in KC for a couple of years before coming back to town.
[sgf] Do you feel that moving out of Springfield helped inspire you as far as your Art?[mm] I 100% think that moving out of Springfield has helped inspire my art. I have a bachelor’s degree in Geology, so I did a lot of traveling with my coursework, which exposed be to so many beautiful places that I use as inspiration for my art.
[sgf] Being back in Springfield, what would you say is the best thing about being a creative here versus elsewhere? On the flip side, any particular challenges to it?


[mm] I just try to make calming art to deal with the stresses of life. To me, art should be a reprieve from the world around us, so I try to make art that lets you escape the chaos, even if just for a moment.
[mm] Yes! I have original pieces on my etsy shop. I also have some of my art available on Society6. As of right now, I have one piece at the Creamery downtown. It is part of the Hearts for the Arts auction going on now through February 1st to support arts education.


[sgf] I know you mentioned a background in geology which really makes alot of sense considering the shapes in your work – is this a source of inspiration in your work?
[mm] Nature is the number one inspiration for me. It’s easy to pull inspiration from nature because everywhere you look, you can find something beautiful.
[sgf] You make a great point in the parallel between not being as many artists here and how that can be both beneficial and hindering. Is there something you think could be done differently to attract more artists or shake up the scene abit?[mm] Oh gosh, a lot would have to happen to totally shake it up. The biggest thing I see that could attract more artists is to just keep being creative if you have that bone in your body. Keep encouraging kids to have fun with art, so they don’t give it up. If more people are putting their work out there and getting involved, Springfield will attract other artists and a natural growth in the arts should follow.
We want to thank Michelle again for taking the time to speak with us and we strongly urge you to check our her stunning work at the links below:
https://Instagram.com/artbymichellemartin
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