Artist Spotlight | Michelle Lawanda

Celebrating Black History Month at The Miller Gallery

Happy February, art lovers! We are celebrating Black History Month with a new mini-series from Miller artist, Michelle Lawanda. A Charleston-based artist, Michelle Lawanda, also known as Lawanda's Creations, is a lover of colors and enjoys having fun with art. Her interest in art began 8 years ago as a hobby and has slowly turned into something bigger. Her favored medium is acrylic paints. She creates from the heart, and we are happy to represent her work!"Under the Sun" 11x14 acrylic on canvas

Michelle is releasing a special collection to celebrate Black History Month, and we sat down to learn a little more about her work and career.

Miller Gallery: This is your second Black History Month release with The Miller Gallery! What can you tell us about this latest collection?

Michelle Lawanda: My latest collection has a little something for everyone. Lots of color and a bit of "whimsy" to it.

"The Children" 12x12 acrylic on canvas

MG: How has your work evolved this past year? Are you exploring any new subjects or using different mediums?

ML: Yes, my art has evolved. I am slowly adding more detail to my work and experimenting with watercolors and practicing with landscapes.

MG: What is your favorite art moment of 2023?

ML: My favorite art moment of 2023 was when a customer compared my art to Basquiat! That meant so much to me.

"Crowns & Symbols" 20x20 acrylic on canvas

MG: Do you have any goals for your art practice over this next year?

ML: I don't have a specific goal at this time. I just want to continue to create and make people happy with my art. It's a great feeling when I see people just stop, smile, and stare at my art when I participate in markets.

"Twins" 12x16 acrylic on canvas

MG: Do you have a favorite color, medium, or tool you like to use when you're working in the studio?

ML: I don't particularly have a favorite color when it comes to art, but I do love using acrylics. Acrylics blend so easily and I love how acrylics glide across the canvas. It's magical to me.

"Three Suits" 12x16 acrylic on canvas

MG: Is there anything else you would like to share with our collectors?

ML: I've only been painting since 2016. So I still consider myself a newbie at this. Most people don't know that I come from a family of artists. My father and my 2 brothers are artists. My 2 brothers have been drawing since birth..lol. They can basically draw anything. I would doodle here and there when I was younger and try to copy them. I was awesome at drawing stick people, but the "bug" so to speak didn't come to me until later in life.

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We're grateful to Michelle for taking the time to answer our questions and for sharing her beautiful art with us. Her latest collection is available for purchase, please reach out with any inquiries.

Happy Black History Month & Happy Collecting, art lovers!

xo, The Miller Gallery