Once again, Instagram connects us with such amazing individuals, including our very first feature of 2023, Michelle Savran. In true female fashion, she wears many hats... mom, artist, art teacher and published author. I was so flattered when Michelle reached out to paint a portrait of me in my work space. After all, it's not everyday that you get asked to be the subject of a watercolor. Michelle is truly so passionate about not just her own work, but sharing the love of art and creativity with her students. Read on to learn more about the fabulous Michelle!
What is your favorite quote or life motto?
“Creativity takes courage.” - Henri Matisse. To create something new in the world you have to go outside of your comfort zone a bit, which is where the courage part comes in!
Tell us a bit about you.
I’m an artist, a mom of two kids, a certified K-12 art teacher and the author / illustrator of I Heard You Can Draw: A Story for Class Artists Everywhere. My dad put it this way once: I’m always up to something! When I was growing up I would create lessons for the younger kids on my street, or I would send out flyers to my neighbors about why I would be a great babysitter (I always found jobs!). I was writing stories, or selling handmade greeting cards. I’m still doing similar things to this day: I still write stories, do art commissions, create art lesson handouts…I’m always working on something!
When did you discover your love and talent for art?
My mom noticed that I loved to draw and paint back when I was only two. She has the eye for it since she is also an artist and teacher (she's now retired). She enrolled me in an art class when I was four years old with a wonderful teacher who held classes in her garage. When I was old enough to enroll in the Boca Raton Museum Art School, I did that for many years. Then I was accepted into an arts magnet school from 7-12th grade which had a significant impact on me as an artist.
What inspires you as an artist?
I am inspired by my surroundings since I love drawing from observation, and also from my own inner world. Recently I've been inspired to create art about the subconscious mind. I look to other artists (Frida Kahlo, especially) for inspiration on how they documented their own worlds. Visiting art museums or taking a new art class every once in a while keeps me inspired.
What is it that you love most about being an art teacher?
I love helping my students reach their artistic potential. I aim to create art lessons that are both creative and also technically challenging. As the co-advisor for the National Junior Art Honor Society at my school, I enjoy helping my students contribute to the community with their talents in art.
What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?
In graduate school I created a pilot drawing program from scratch, which was very hard to set up. It took a year and a half to get it started! Once it was set in motion, though, many other graduate students were able to benefit from the class, and I feel like that was a great accomplishment!
Tell us a bit about your project - spotlighting local artists and entrepreneurs as part of a new series?
I’ve been working on a series of watercolor paintings of the widely recognized areas in Downtown Boca - mostly buildings, but also fountains and sculptures. Recently I became curious about what was inside the buildings…I had the idea to start drawing Boca from the inside as well as the outside.
I thought this would be a fun challenge - to contact local artists and entrepreneurs to do a portrait session! I love seeing other artist’s studios because it’s like taking a look inside someone’s mind! Entrepreneurs also have that creative mind.
It’s been amazing so far meeting interesting people, like you, Olivia! Or reconnecting in our case! I'm just getting started and I can't wait to see where this project goes.
What is one fact that most wouldn’t know about you?
No one knows that I like to sing (except my family - they hear me all the time!). During the lockdown in 2020, I learned how to play the ukulele by watching tutorials on YouTube. So now I can sing and play some music to go with it!
Being mom to two young kids, how do you balance family and work? Does balance even exist?
I don’t know if balance actually exists! Something is always being sacrificed, like the proper amount of sleep or time alone. Now that my kids are a little older and more independent (almost 4 and 6), our household is running much smoother than when they were babies, so that helps tremendously. I thank g-d that I have my kids and my job to keep me so busy!
What’s the one life lesson/words of wisdom you hope to instill in your son and daughter?
I want them to know how loved they are which is why I am very affectionate with them! My other hope is that I can help them find something that they love to do, the same way that I have drawing.
Now let’s talk fashion! How would you describe your personal style?
What I wear is comfortable (soft fabrics like cotton, denim, linen, cashmere) and pretty modest. I tend to gravitate toward neutral and earthy colors. That’s the typical “Michelle outfit” - comfortable and neutral in color!
What’s your go-to outfit when you’re pressed for time?
A maxi dress, boots and a cute jacket!
What’s your fashion or beauty indulgence?
Highlights! Now that I have my go-to hair colorist, I look forward to getting my hair done regularly.
Favorite shoe style or shoe brand?
My dream wardrobe would be Chanel head to toe!
Which cocktail best describes your personality?
Gin and tonic, perhaps?
If you could have dinner with three special guests, who would they be?
Frida Kahlo, Hilma af Klint and Georgia O’Keeffe. I bet they would have had amazing stories, secrets and wisdom to share!
Follow Michelle on her artistic journey!
Instagram: m.sherman.artist + iheardyoucandraw
Facebook: Art by M. Sherman
Website: michelleshermanart.com