About The Artist

Biography 

Michelle Ellis was born and raised in rural central Texas and currently resides near Houston, Texas where she has a home studio. Michelle earned her BFA in Studio Art, with a focus on Ceramic Art, from Texas State University. Her ceramic artwork has been featured across the nation in various exhibitions and she has shared her passion for art through teaching in various institutions throughout Texas. Following a brief hiatus to focus on family, Michelle has made a vibrant return to the art world. Her recent works feature functional pottery and sculptural ceramics that capture the essence of the Texas landscape, its inhabitants, and the things we leave behind.

 

Artist Statement

My journey with clay began as a way to connect with nature and find beauty in challenging places. It has since become a profound expression of my identity.

In my sculptural work, you’ll find echoes of the vast Texas landscape and my childhood rooted in rural Texas. Common themes in my current work are the duality of the wild and tamed, the realistic and surreal, all harmoniously intertwined. These pieces are not just art; they’re narratives in clay, telling stories of resilience, growth, fears, and the enduring spirit of a life lived.

My functional art celebrates everyday life. Each piece, whether a mug, vase, or plate, is crafted with the intention of bringing warmth to daily moments. These are not just objects; they’re functional companions in the rituals of daily living. A neutral and minimal palette complements each piece’s quiet purpose, allowing your masterpiece, perhaps a perfectly crafted cup of coffee or fresh berries from the garden, to remain the star of the show.

Both my sculpture and functional pottery incorporate found objects from my daily life. You’ll find sea shells from a trip to Galveston, lace imprints from a scrap of lace in my Me-maw’s sewing room, seeds, insects, screws, and more. These objects together tell a narrative of a place in time.

This collection represents not just my artistic skill, but my journey as a woman, born and raised in rural Texas. In every curve, texture, and glaze, there’s a piece of my story, a fragment of the land that has shaped me and I, in turn, it.  


Environmental Promise

All ceramics by nature have some not so ideal environmental impacts. As a certified Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Waters Specialist and conservationist preserving our natural resources, wildlife and keeping our wild spaces wild is a passion of mine. I will not label my art as eco friendly, but here are some ways I do try to curb my impact:

  • My home studio fires only electric kilns and is powered by solar power.
  • I pride myself on recycling, repurposing and reusing materials anywhere I can from packing and shipping material to recycling as much clay and glaze waste as I can.
  • I try to source as many of my materials as I can locally and try to minimize deliveries and trips to my suppliers.