Georgia artist Mechelle Harrison's whimsical, colorful birds intrigued me from the first moment I saw them. Fun and friendly, they are a treat for the eyes. Mechelle received her BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design. She has worked as a 
graphic artist and a freelance illustrator, and she has exhibited her work throughout Georgia and the southest at galleries and art festivals. Her work has even been sold through the Smithsonian Institution gift shops.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview you, Mechelle. Let's start with your childhood. I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?
I think the biggest influence in my childhood is the fact that I grew up in historic Alexandria, VA. I was surrounded by culture bieng only five miles away from Washington, D.C. My parents, and especially my school, shaped my impression of history and culture. The school field trips made me appreciate the arts at a young age. The opportunity I had to volunteer at an old torpedo factory converted to working studios for artists influenced me to want to become an artist.
Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.
My husband is very supportive of my talent, and my children like to help me set up when I exhibit at art festivals. They also like to create with me while I'm painting.
Would you say your relationship with God is a big part of how you express yourself creatively, and if so, how?
Definitely my relationship with Christ is very much the center of how I create. I use different subtle symbolism in my paintings. I have been creating landscapes recently, and I usually group three trees together to represent the trinity. I also like to add a splash of humor to the birds I create. I hope to convey God's beautiful artistry of His living creations.
What would you say is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?
The most difficult thing about the creative process at times is putting those ideas that are in your mind onto paper or canvas. Also, not having another person to bounce ideas off of can be hard.
What part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?
The actual process while I'm creating and working--and even reworking an idea--is fun, challenging, and rewarding. I grow each time I finish a work of art.
How did you come to selling your art?
I attended art school, and after graduation I began working in the graphic design business. I wanted to be able to create my own images without the constraints of a 
client's parameters.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to other creative people?
Continue to learn and stretch yourself as an artist. Experiment and have fun with different mediums.
I find that many creative people are talented in a number of different areas. What other creative pursuits do you enjoy?
I have recently started using polymer clay again. I usually only create two-dimensional work, but now I am exploring working on three-dimensional work as well.
I can relate to that, since I've recently started working with polymer clay again myself. It's a fun but challenging medium with so many avenues to explore.
Last, but definitely not least, what scripture do you find particularly inspirational and why?
The scripture that inspires me was brought to my attention by another designer many years ago. Exodus 31:1-6 talks about the skilled craftsman to whom God has given these talents and gifts to use for His purpose. The Lord wants me to glorify Him through my art. That so affirms why God has given me this gift.
I wholeheartedly agree that God's affirmation of our gifts is so important, especially during the times when we question our purpose and our talents. Where can people find your work, Mechelle?
My websites are http://mechelledesigns.1000markets.comhttp://www.mechelledesigns.etsy.com and my blog is: http://www.mechelledesings.blogspot.com
Thanks, Mechelle! And to the rest of you . . .
Georgia artist Mechelle Harrison's whimsical, colorful birds intrigued me from the first moment I saw them. Fun and friendly, they are a treat for the eyes. Mechelle received her BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design. She has worked as a
graphic artist and a freelance illustrator, and she has exhibited her work throughout Georgia and the southest at galleries and art festivals. Her work has even been sold through the Smithsonian Institution gift shops.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview you, Mechelle. Let's start with your childhood. I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?
I think the biggest influence in my childhood is the fact that I grew up in historic Alexandria, VA. I was surrounded by culture bieng only five miles away from Washington, D.C. My parents, and especially my school, shaped my impression of history and culture. The school field trips made me appreciate the arts at a young age. The opportunity I had to volunteer at an old torpedo factory converted to working studios for artists influenced me to want to become an artist.
Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.
My husband is very supportive of my talent, and my children like to help me set up when I exhibit at art festivals. They also like to create with me while I'm painting.
Definitely my relationship with Christ is very much the center of how I create. I use different subtle symbolism in my paintings. I have been creating landscapes recently, and I usually group three trees together to represent the trinity. I also like to add a splash of humor to the birds I create. I hope to convey God's beautiful artistry of His living creations.
What would you say is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?
The most difficult thing about the creative process at times is putting those ideas that are in your mind onto paper or canvas. Also, not having another person to bounce ideas off of can be hard.
What part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?
The actual process while I'm creating and working--and even reworking an idea--is fun, challenging, and rewarding. I grow each time I finish a work of art.
How did you come to selling your art?
I attended art school, and after graduation I began working in the graphic design business. I wanted to be able to create my own images without the constraints of a
client's parameters.
What is the best piece of advice you can give to other creative people?
Continue to learn and stretch yourself as an artist. Experiment and have fun with different mediums.
I find that many creative people are talented in a number of different areas. What other creative pursuits do you enjoy?
I have recently started using polymer clay again. I usually only create two-dimensional work, but now I am exploring working on three-dimensional work as well.
Last, but definitely not least, what scripture do you find particularly inspirational and why?
The scripture that inspires me was brought to my attention by another designer many years ago. Exodus 31:1-6 talks about the skilled craftsman to whom God has given these talents and gifts to use for His purpose. The Lord wants me to glorify Him through my art. That so affirms why God has given me this gift.
I wholeheartedly agree that God's affirmation of our gifts is so important, especially during the times when we question our purpose and our talents. Where can people find your work, Mechelle?
My websites are http://mechelledesigns.1000markets.comhttp://www.mechelledesigns.etsy.com and my blog is: http://www.mechelledesings.blogspot.com
Thanks, Mechelle! And to the rest of you . . .