Hi, I’m Michelle! I am the artist and writer here at Birch Tree Studio. I live in South Dakota, USA. I spend most of my days creating in the studio, but I also work as the web designer for the family business where my lovely husband is also my boss. We have two energetic teenage daughters who are enjoying in-person school at present.

I’ve been wearing glasses just about as long as I’ve been a maker, which, having reached my midlife years, now include bifocals so I can see the details. I love cats and horses even as a grownup, though I don’t own a horse… yet.

Art is my way of exploring, and with so much around me to explore, I never am short on ideas. This is perhaps why I jump around quite a bit between artistic mediums and styles. I often consider this a disadvantage, but others tell me it’s not.

On the surface my artwork explores… color, texture, shape… but underneath I am exploring… feelings, experiences, prayer, connection to God, dreams and nightmares, healing and prophesy to name a few.

I love both learning and teaching which is why I also write. It is fulfilling for me to help others understand something they aren’t sure about or didn’t know about. I have a very open and honest nature and am quite loyal. Confrontation doesn’t scare me. I struggle with perfectionism, anxiety, and depression at times. I am an introvert and need regular blocks of time to myself. I journal, read Scripture and make art on a daily basis. I am fascinated with prophesy and mystery.

Right now the best place to see (or purchase) my work is my website. I look forward to showing my art at public venues again in the future.

A verse right now that is encouraging me from a favorite translation, the Voice:

My friends, we are not those who give up hope and so are lost; but we are of the company who live by faith and so are saved. — Hebrews 10:39

I have more encouragement to come in the days ahead.