Michelle Rigell: Healing Through Art
Michelle Rigell is an artist based in St. Louis, Missouri. Most recently known for her “1000 Crane Project,” Michelle explores the legend that 1000 paper cranes can grant a wish or offer eternal happiness. In addition to her work as a painter, Michelle is an instructor and assistant director of Arts as Healing Foundation, where she teaches art classes to those who are undergoing treatment for cancer or long term illness. Michelle’s inspirational journey as both an artist and teacher provides insight into the healing and transformative powers of art.
Hi Michelle! Tell me about your background and where your creative journey began.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and growing up, I wanted to be an animator and graphics designer like my uncle, the other artist in our family. From the time I was four until middle school, I took lessons in oil painting from a local artist, Penelope Van der Putton. However, in high school, I redirected my focus on getting into medical school; I was convinced by the adults in my life that this was a more practical career path. Ultimately I chose not to pursue a career in medicine after graduating from college.
After moving to St. Louis for my husband’s medical training, my mother-in-law encouraged me to take art classes. When I signed up, it never crossed my mind to pursue a career in art again, and I had lost a lot of confidence in myself. Around the same time, I had a miscarriage and my second not too long after, so it was a very difficult time for me. Fortunately through the classes, I met my mentor and began volunteering for the Arts As Healing Foundation.
What inspired you to create your current series, "1000 Crane Project," and what discoveries have you made since embarking on this project?
I was inspired to start the 1000 Crane Project when my mentor gifted me a glass jar with the Chinese character for happiness and good fortune on it. Along with art, I also loved origami growing up, so I decided to fill it up with cranes, which then led to an even better idea of painting them. As I gained more confidence in myself and my work, I wanted to experiment with more open and brighter compositions and colors, and I found the perfect subject that was special to me but also iconic! I decided on the title because of the legend that 1000 cranes could grant a person one wish or even eternal happiness; I’d like to think the latter.
I’ve learned that art can be an emotional process with a lot of ups and downs because you tend to put your whole self into what you create. It pushes you to be honest with yourself which is why I think art can be such an important tool for healing and therapy.
Can you tell me about your work at the Arts As Healing Foundation and how this experience has impacted your art practice?
Arts As Healing Foundation is a nonprofit organization that brings the therapeutic benefits of art to cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses. I currently serve as an instructor and the assistant director. We provide weekly academic-based classes to patients and their caregivers, and we also bring art to patients in the waiting rooms and by chairside while they are receiving treatment at the cancer centers in the Greater St. Louis area. Everything we offer is complimentary for the participants, and it’s completely supported by donations.
This organization and the people I work with are so special to me. It reignited my passion for art and opened new possibilities allowing me to share art to others who could benefit from it like I did because I really believe art can provide healing. And it was really through the encouragement of the participants that I started developing my own art practice and applying to art shows.
Which artists have influenced your work?
Andy Warhol has been a huge influence in my work. His use of colors and larger than life approach to art was why I wanted to move beyond my earthy, dark tone paintings of nostalgic subjects like record players, musicians and vintage signs (I grew up listening to a lot of Oldies music). A few other artists whose work has inspired and motivated me to push my boundaries are my mentor, Vicki Friedman, a pen and ink medical illustrator, Jiyong Lee, a glass artist influenced by biology, and Jeffrey Vaughn, a hyper-realistic landscape oil painter.
How has your studio practice shifted and evolved over time?
In general, I think I’ve become more thoughtful about how I approach each painting. I fold all the cranes I paint first. I used to go on a folding spree using whatever piece of paper or candy wrapper that caught my eye to save for later when I needed inspiration or a new idea, but eventually I found that to be more limiting instead of inspiring. I’ve tried to slow down and spend more time playing with composition, sketching and photographing my still-lifes.
I’ve also become more forgiving of myself if a painting just doesn’t feel right at the moment and put it aside for later because I can be very stubborn about finishing what I started and only working on one project at a time.
How has Instagram impacted your career as an artist?
To be honest, I still find Instagram to be a little daunting, and I’m still figuring out how to use it well. I’ve had my account since 2015, but it wasn’t until early last year when I got a boost after my feature on The Jealous Curator and reading Smartist Guide: Essential Art Career Tips For Emerging Artists b y Ekaterina Popova and Alicia Puig that I started to get a better grasp of it. Despite my frustrations, I know that it can be a very powerful tool because most of my sales and commissions last year have been organized through Instagram.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
My biggest goal is to have a solo exhibition. I want to be braver and take that leap and paint an immersive experience as if you’re surrounded by hundreds of cranes. I want the viewer to feel like they are being enveloped in happiness especially during these uncertain times. I’d also like to use my experience working at the Duane Reed Gallery and curate an exhibition in the future.
Follow Michelle on Instagram at: mabelle_rigell_art
Website: www.michellerigell.com