What is the best thing that I love about my work? I pour myself into each and everything I create. I’d have to say that’s what I love the most about it, that it’s a piece of me, like looking into my soul.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Lying on the floor, draped in velvet.

What is my greatest fear? Living.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I talk a lot of nonsense in conversations with other people. I’d like to say it’s a nervous trait, but in reality, my brain just runs a million miles each second so I draw connections to things that aren’t obviously understood to others… I’m working on it.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Aron Weisenfeld is the first that comes to mind, for no reason other than I like what he does.

What is my greatest extravagance? Dresses. I always find myself falling in love with new ones. I can’t let myself browse or I know I’ll find something and make up an excuse as to why I need to have it. I also have so many I love but don’t feel comfortable wearing… it’s pretty silly.

On what occasion would I lie? I lie when I’m asked my true feelings in regards to myself. And situationally when I’m asked questions about myself such as “So, what do you do?” and I say “Nothing.”

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I currently want my work to be…more. It’s hard to explain, but I hardly ever make something and think “yes, this is right.”

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? There’s this zone I sometimes tap into when I’m working, where the entire world around me freezes and ceases to exist. I’m not even thinking when I get to this place, I’m just 100% consumed by my work. That’s when I’m happiest.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I’d like to be able to step out of my head more—and I don’t mean in the daydream sense. I mean there’s a big difference between Michelle being there and Michelle’s body being present while she’s curled up in her head and barely realizing her surroundings.

What is my greatest achievement in work? As of right now, the fact that I’ve made it this far is pretty cool. Not having a ‘real’ job is also pretty darn cool.

Where would I most like to live? I don’t want to live in one place for too long. I want to live and experience at least a few different places in my lifetime.

What is my most treasured possession? I have this old couch with this overwhelming floral pattern with the ugliest green on the planet, and well, I pretty much want to be sewn into it upon my demise.

What is my most marked characteristic? People always tell me I am very Velvet Mush, that it’s not something they even know how to describe or what it is, but it’s just very much me.  When people that know me  find out about my instagram name, they are usually like “Velvetmush…. yes, that describes everything that you are.”

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? In between the pages of my journals, sketchbooks, and the corner where my bed and the wall next to it meet.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? There’s this wonderful little bar in West Philadelphia above an Ethiopian restaurant. It’s not much bigger than my bedroom, all of the walls are red, and christmas lights are strung from the ceiling. It’s pretty great.

What books influenced my life and how? I find a lot of beauty in this Sylvia Plath poetry book that I usually always have on me. It helps me see beauty in others and the world around me.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I’m a fan of all strong female roles.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? All of the children in my life are my heros.  I seriously have been surrounded by so many wonderful little humans and they all amaze me in every way.

What role plays art in my life and work? Art is everything.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My younger sister. She fully supports my art in every way and even lets me put fake blood all over her face for photoshoots. I wouldn’t have my portfolio without her face and also her guidance.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018? I would like to work with some new models, but I don’t have any specific people in mind yet.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? I would just like to meet anyone that’s nice, interesting, and good at what they do.

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? I have a million paintings planned and I’m looking forward to every single one of them.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? I’ll be hiding out in 2018 per-usual, but you’ll see me and my work here or there.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? It means you can’t stop doing what you love, even if you tried.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? The only person I have to recommend would be the lovely lady that recommended me, Gina Altadonna. Sorry!

How can you contact me?
www.michelleaverystudio@yahoo.com
Instagram @velvetmush