Curriculum Vitae

Michelle Foley is a multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for botanical exploration, mental awareness, and material experimentation. Her works often incorporate natural elements, such as plants and flowers, as well as unconventional materials to create thought-provoking pieces that blur the boundaries between art and nature.

Michelle was born and raised in Birmingham, England, as a first-generation English person with Irish heritage. From a young age, she was fascinated by the natural world, and her curiosity about the environment led her to study horticulture and visual art.

Through her studies, Michelle gained a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between plants and their surroundings. Michelle's interest in mental awareness stems from her personal experiences with anxiety and depression. She believes that art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, and often incorporates themes of mindfulness and self-care into her work.

Material experimentation is another key aspect of Michelle's practice. She enjoys exploring the properties of different materials, from traditional mediums like paint and clay to unconventional materials like tin cans and found objects. Her work often pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered "art," challenging viewers to rethink their ideas about creativity and materiality. She plays with the conceptual surroundings of her work, placing nature within the gallery setting, and vice versa.

Michelle's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the country, and her pieces are held in private collections around the world. In addition to her studio practice, she also teaches workshops on botanical art and mindfulness-based art practices. Through her art, Michelle seeks to inspire others to connect with the natural world, cultivate mental awareness, and embrace the creative potential of unconventional materials.