How Do They Create: Michelle Jackson
How Do They Create: Michelle Jackson
A creative series where I speak with inspiring women I know.
Introducing the "How Do They Create" Interview Series and joining me first to mark the start of summer here in Australia is Michelle Jackson. Michelle's artwork first caught my attention when she collaborated with beautiful Jade Fox of Dear Dilate for Father's Day in 2021. I still remember that day, sitting in the sunshine at lunchtime, learning about a lockdown that would last longer than we ever anticipated. It was also the last time I watched the news live for COVID updates. Michelle's art speaks to me on a personal level, not just because of my taste, but because of the messages conveyed through her colours and shapes. Even though we are yet to meet face-to-face, we have developed a bond through Instagram and email, sharing our experiences of motherhood, from hairstyles and music to art, learning about Country, our pets, and exchanging recipes!
Could you briefly introduce yourself and what you like to create?
Thank you so much for having me! My name is Michelle Jackson, I’m a proud Gamilaraay woman, Mother, Artist and Creative Director. I love to create prints, artworks, and at the moment cards! Basically, if I’m breathing, I’m creating. I’ve always got something on the go, be it for fun or a professional project.
Is there something about your culture and your creativity that you would like to share with us?
Gosh, yes. Everything I create is inspired by who I am and my culture. I’m constantly drawing inspiration from Country, from palettes to shapes and putting my own spin on them.
Why is storytelling, shape, and colour so important to you?
It is my way of communicating, of speaking and conveying happiness or other emotions and feelings. Through my art I can reach others and hopefully spread a little love and joy. I also love sharing my language and having it welcomed into people’s homes through my art, especially little ones.
What do you think fuels your creativity and has this changed in any way since becoming a mother?
If anything, it has reignited a fire within me. I feel like my creativity has stepped up to another level since becoming a Mother. When my first was born I honestly feel like everything just started flowing, it’s like I didn’t have a heartbeat before her. A beautiful switch was flicked, and I was flooded with divine love and bountiful inspiration to draw from. Since welcoming my second this has only continued to enhance and grow. They made me look inward and helped me to believe in myself.
Being a highly creative family, do you find opportunities to create together?
Oh yes! Matthew and I are constantly painting together and getting the girls involved. All 4 of us in Matthew’s tiny studio, blasting music, painting and singing. Or we’re in the garden tending to our beloved veggie patch, painting/drawing on the grass on large sheets of canvas or playing cricket with our Kelpie Indigo. It is a truly beautiful life which I’m eternally grateful for, and I love being able to have the girls absorbing it all too. Matthew will also play the Didg [didgeridoo] and tell the girls Dreamtime stories. They LOVE this. We are always in nature. As much as possible, either in the ocean or going bush, we are intrinsically linked with Mother Earth and our girls thrive in her arms.
What sources or methods do you use to spark your creativity when facing a creative block?
Gosh, it’s so tricky, I honestly find stepping away. Completely stepping away and going for a good walk, in nature or a swim, just truly shutting off your mind and taking in the sounds around you and just bringing yourself back to centre. I would say go inward. Do some breathwork, stretching whatever works for you but definitely distance yourself from what you’re trying to create otherwise it will feel forced. Once you go back with a clear mind it will flow again.
If you would like to see and connect with Michelle and her work visit her creative studio, La Terre Press and follow on Instagram @la_terre_press. Michelle also has shared some other exiting news about her latest collab with Indigenous fashion brand Amber Days, Sun Dancer collection has just been launched!
