Michelle

@MichelleLong

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About

Artist Bio Michelle Long is a Dallas/Fort Worth-based artist living in Euless now, whose work thoughtfully navigates the intersections of identity, emotion, and societal influence—particularly through the lens of womanhood. Her art serves as a deeply personal exploration of the emotional terrain and lived experiences of women and their families, offering a compelling commentary on their visibility and representation in contemporary culture. Michelle holds an Associate in Art from Dallas College, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Art History from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Texas Woman’s University. Her academic journey has shaped both her technical skill and conceptual depth, enriching her practice as both an artist and educator. Her creative journey is deeply intertwined with her role as an educator. Michelle has taught many forms of Art at Kinderplatz of Fine Arts, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Jaquet Middle School in Fort Worth, Hill College, Tarrant County College, and Dallas College. She shares her passion for art with students ranging from preschoolers to college-level learners, fostering creativity and confidence through empathetic, hands-on instruction. Michelle’s inspiration also stems from her life as a mother and grandmother in a richly diverse blended family. Having fostered numerous children and adopted one, she channels the challenges and joys of these experiences into her vibrant creations. Her work celebrates the beauty found in complexity, drawing from the emotional depth of family, identity, and social obstacles. Through expressive drawings, paintings, and mosaics, Michelle invites viewers into a world of layered meaning. Each mark and tile arrangement carries a message—an invitation to witness stories of strength, transformation, and hope.

Artist Statement

Artist Statment www.michellelong.net My paintings begin long before the first brushstroke. They are born from conversations, literary passages, family dynamics, and the everyday moments that shape our lives. Through intimate portrayals of my family, I delve into the inner worlds of each figure while also engaging with the broader politics of representation. I often study our children and their creations, which serve as metaphors for adult behavior. Hands, which I believe hold deep expressive power, often replace faces in my work—speaking volumes without words while protecting the subjects of my work. Though rooted in personal experience, my figures remain intentionally ambiguous, inviting viewers to see themselves or others within them. As both an educator and art historian, I live in constant dialogue with the art world. I study artworks, attend lectures, and listen to artists share their journeys. Often, I envision an image years before it materializes. Each piece begins with a detailed drawing of a family member, and as I create, I enter a space of remembrance and reflection. My work is shaped by the influence of artists such as Jenny Saville, Jennifer Packer, Alice Neel, Firelei Báez, Egon Schiele, and Edvard Munch. Their presence echoes in my studio, reminding me that painting is not only an act of creation, but part of a larger, ongoing conversation—one that spans generations and speaks to the complexity of being seen.