Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gore.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was 8 years old when I decided that visual art was something I wanted to pursue professionally. 9 years later, I completed my first major commission piece on a daycare wall. 5 years after that, I graduated with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Teacher Education. During those years, I often painted whatever I felt. I never thought that anyone would buy it.
In 2015, I started teaching visual art. I also held my first solo exhibition, #TheTvMadeMeDoIt, in my then-home of Knoxville, TN. For the first time, I felt like my art was worthy of having a platform. Since moving to Nashville about 6 years ago, I have participated in a lot of events as a vendor while continuing to teach visual art. I hope to have another solo exhibition on a larger scale.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I got older, I realized that I wanted to use my art as my voice.
During undergrad, I lost track of that mindset because I was so unhappy. I found myself making art just to complete the assignment, not for enjoyment. Later, I decided to pursue art education instead of graphic design and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was back motivated and enjoyed being a student and artist again.
Today, I often struggle with not feeling seen as a visual artist. Sometimes I feel that I am overlooked because I don’t have a certain aesthetic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do ALL OF THE THINGS lol…I also think that’s what sets me apart.
I specialize in painting and drawing but I offer many different services. I am also working on a children’s book series with a friend/fellow educator. I am known for thinking outside of the box and “going there” in my art. I am most proud of how my art has evolved over the years. I have taken many steps outside of my comfort zone.
Services:
-Live paintings
-Paint parties (sip & paint)
-Face painting
-Children’s Activities
-Subscription options
-Art lessons
-Custom charcuterie boards
-Commission pieces
-Visual art professional development
-Curriculum writing
RESIN POURING
-Custom purses
-Custom tray sets
-Custom coasters
-Custom dominos
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
As long as there are movies, video games, fashion, and other forms of aesthetically pleasing entertainment and goods, the art industry will continue to grow in the next 5-10 years.
I hope to reach a point in my industry where I can create residual income. I also want to expand my subscription services to schools that don’t offer visual art and provide professional development services to charter schools with visual art teachers.
Contact Info:
- Website: fcartwork.com
- Instagram: @finalcritiqueartwork
- Facebook: facebook.com/finalcritiqueartwork
Image Credits
Flash Me Selfie Gallery (2022), The Bottom (2022), Dreams Are Illegal In the Ghetto (2010), Woodburning Charcuterie Boards, Resin Poured Pursed, Untitled (2023), TrapxArt Nashville (2022), and Coasters
