Meet Michelle; A journey of Art, Resilience and Creativity

Michelle Loschiavo, a talented Bendigo-based artist, has long used art as a source of comfort and expression throughout her life. Born with spina bifida, Michelle faced numerous surgeries and challenges from a young age, which significantly impacted her education, mental health, and social connections. However, one constant remained: her love for art.

Art has always been a refuge for Michelle, allowing her to momentarily escape from the challenges she faced.

From early school days to her year 10 work experience at a florist, where she discovered a passion for floral arrangements, Michelle found joy in the creative process. After finishing school, she pursued art classes through Continuing Education, which ignited her artistic journey. Her participation in the TAD Project (Talented Artist with Disabilities Project) and SMART Art classes provided her with a sense of belonging and community, surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared her passion.

Michelle’s artistic skills truly blossomed during her time at TAFE in the early 2000s, where she spent over five years refining her techniques and gaining confidence in her abilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle took her art online, starting her own YouTube channel to share process videos and timelapses, ensuring her work continued to reach an audience despite the lack of physical exhibitions.

Specialising in hyperrealism and surrealism, Michelle’s work often focuses on flora, fauna, and pet portraits, with oils, acrylics, coloured pencils, and airbrush being her mediums of choice. One of her standout pieces, Butterfly Kisses, a coloured pencil drawing with an airbrushed background, beautifully captures the delicate balance between a large horse and a small butterfly, symbolising the harmony between strength and fragility.

Michelle’s life in a wheelchair has presented its own set of challenges, particularly before acquiring a specialized chair with an elevation function. This new chair has greatly improved her independence, allowing her to reach items on high shelves and work on large paintings without straining her back.

Now, with the support of DONUT Studios, Michelle is focused on building her audience on social media and YouTube, continuing to share her unique artistic perspective with the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of art as a means of expression, healing, and connection, inspiring others to find their own creative path.

Want to learn more about her work, check out her youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@artbymichelleloschiavo