Michelle Hamilton

My artistic education is widely varied but I am mostly self-taught. From traveling to other countries, I’ve been able to see many different cultures, art and people, which has truly taught me the most in life. After exploring many different mediums, I found encaustics to be the most inspiring. One could say it was like falling in love all over again for the first time! The versatile nature of encaustics allowed me to delve into mixed media and texture, which opened my mind and made me feel even more passionate about my work. My creations are inspired by a variety of everything from Japanese fashion to director Tim Burton, but my primary muse is nature (not surprising, considering the breath-taking nature of my home, the Appalachian Mountains). I try not to let myself become limited to one particular there because I want to be mutable in my creativity, always growing and changing along with my work and my proficiency with the materials. When I am not playing with my three dogs and spending time with my family, you can find me in my studio in the River Arts District at 375 Depot St., Asheville, NC.