About The Artist
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Hi I 'am Michelle, the artist and creator behind The Creative Art Studio.
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Since a young age I have had a love for creating. My mum painted folk art and I remember her attending weekly classes. She would show me her workbook, practicing techniques and then bring home completed artworks and displaying them around the house. I may have borrowed her 'good' paints and brushes a few times without her knowing!
Loved high school arts, exploring different mediums and techniques was my favourite part. In year 12 I received an academic achievement, something I am still proud of today. I didn't grow up with family attending university or after school studies, I wasn't sure what I wanted career wise, so I just went with the flow.
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After high school I decided to study a certificate in interior design and had jobs relevant to the design industry.
Paint departments at both Bunnings & Porters, I worked at a curtain business making roman blinds. Moving to Brisbane and loved working at an Italian Tile business in Fortitude Valley. Where I made some beautiful friends and learnt a huge amount, helping with selections for new homes and renovations. The unique nature of this role allowed me to really use and develop my interior design education. Working with floor plans to calculate and quote quantities, but all so help customers visualise their space by drawing up elevations. I loved that role!
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In 2008 I moved back to Mackay and wanted to travel. Thanks to my many years in retail and customer service, I landed a dream job as a travel agent at Flight Centre. After 4 years I moved over to Helloworld Travel (formally known as Harvey World Travel, was a part of the changeover). Helping many customers create lifetime memories. Researching and planning itineraries were some of my favourite parts of the role.
Very grateful to have traveled to so many wonderful destinations during my career, here's a list below.
Countries: Bali, India, Canada - where I saw and touched snow for the first time, Italy (visited The Sistine Chapel in saw the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo), Malta, Cambodia,
Cities: Paris (visited the Louve and saw the famous Mona Lisa Artwork), London, Dubai, Bangkok, Ho Chi Min, San Francisco, Lucerne (Switzerland)
I married my husband in 2014 in the most amazing trip to the Cook Islands, with 30 family & friends, and we welcomed our son in 2015. Revisiting making art whilst on maternity leave in 2015, Through my love for learning a variety of mediums, techniques and experimenting, I launched Hand Drawn Designs by Michellemdv offering custom mandala, watercolour and modern calligraphy quote art. then began attending a few local markets to sell my artwork.
Early 2018 I began to teach sessions to others wanting to learn, predominantly from The Ocean International Resort's function rooms. January of 2020, after 12 years I decided to hang up from travel agent belt and take on my art business full time. Then Covid hit. Thankfully I was able to teach a number of sessions online and provide kits to get by. I worked tirelessly to keep the business running, and thankfully my wonderful customers supported me. When things started to slowly open back up again, I was able to gradually start offering sessions again. Even with the restrictions, I kept following my passion to work for myself.
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All this to say, I was ready for my own studio space. In July 2022 The Creative Art Studio, Shop 1, 3 Ungerer St, North Mackay opened its doors. The perfect space to host sessions, giving opportunity to expand the session types on offer. The space has beautiful natural light for sessions during the day. And the addition of block out curtains and special LED lights for glow paints and private style sessions. It's very exciting being able to share the studio with the Mackay community.
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Over the past 5 years, I have held over 100 workshops and taught over 1500 participants throughout the Mackay community. I pride myself on conducting a professional experience for participants to enjoy. A big believer in trying new things, and the mindfulness that art brings. Art is fun and so important for our mental health.
Through my sessions, I have seen the joy and happiness participants experience. It makes me so happy to bring a group of like-minded people together. Being immersed in a fun activity, using our imagination. Creating together is the perfect way to connect and have fun along the way.
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Some of my other passions involve spending time with my family, going on camping trips. We took on the adventure of Cape York in 2021, making it to the tip. And all so doing the Southern & Northern tracks of the 'Old telegraph track'. Such an incredible family bonding experience.
Cooking and eating yummy food, I have been boring my husband with watching cooking shows since we first met!
Nature, ocean, rainforest or bush - I love all things nature!
And being the best mum and wife, I can be. Will hopefully get back to travelling overseas again someday.
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Thank you to the Mackay community for your ongoing support, and I look forward to seeing you at a workshop soon.