Michelle  began classical Chinese watercolor painting and sculpting at an early age. Her passion and talents as an artist were recognized at 7 years old when she began formal studies under Joseph Yan at Joseph and Jenny's Fine Art Academy in San Francisco, California.  Her first exhibition piece was displayed in the De Young Museum of Art. She traveled extensively around the world with her parents until she settled down in 2007 in San Diego, CA. 

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  Inspired by all different forms of art, Michelle's main focus draws from old black and white photography, films and tattoo art which have had an impact on her particular style. Her favorite methods of creating are sketching in pencil or charcoal and watercolor painting.

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  In addition to art, she also has careers in the medical field and the performing arts. Michelle has performed with international circus and dance companies as an aerialist and samba dancer since 2010 and studied piano and flute for over a decade at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (her mother is a piano teacher). She enjoys training and competing in martial arts, performing as a samba dancer and currently works full-time at a neurosurgical trauma center. 

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  Michelle conceptualizes all of her pieces with each client and subject in mind to ensure that every one is unique. She currently lives and works out of San Diego, CA, but spends a few weeks out of the year traveling. The best way to stay updated on her activity is on Instagram at @michelle.theartist. 

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