About The Artist
Biography
Michelle Ellis was born and raised in rural central Texas and currently resides near Houston, Texas where she has a homestudio. 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.
The Why
My journey with clay began as a means to reconnect with my roots, and has blossomed into a profound expression of my identity.
In my sculptures, you'll find echoes of the expansive Texas landscape and a childhood rooted in rural Texas. Common themes amongst my current work are the duality of the wild yet tamed, the realistic yet 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, meanwhile, is a celebration of daily life. Each piece, whether it's a mug, a vase, or a plate, is crafted with the intention of bringing a piece of warmth into everyday moments. These are not merely objects; they are fully functional companions in the rituals of daily living. A neutral and minimal palette compliments each piece’s quiet purpose while letting your masterpiece, perhaps a perfectly crafted cup of coffee or berries fresh from the garden, remain the star of the show.
Both my sculpture and functional pottery incorporate found objects from my personal daily life. You will find sea shells from a trip to Galveston, lace imprints from a scrap of lace found in my Me-Maw’s sewing room, seeds, insects and more. All of these objects together tell a narrative of a place in time.
This collection represents not just my skill as an artist, but my journey as a woman, born and raised in rural Texas. In every curve, texture, and glaze, there is a piece of my story, a fragment of the land I call home.
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.