Welcome to the wonderful world of artistry & imagination. Through this interview, we uncover the inspirations and starting points that drive Michele's unparalleled artistic journey. See how 11Eleven got started and where it might go....
What’s your name and/or company name? What special meaning does your company name have?
I’m Michele Chantal, and I use both my name and company name “11Eleven” when creating in any form.
The story of how 11Eleven came about is too long to condense into an interview answer, but I will say that significant events occurred on 11/11/11 that forever altered my life and thus the name was born. My own survival is intricately laced with-in these events, so it’s not just a spiritual cliché name as many might think.
You’re an artist, which is an umbrella term. Can you share exactly what kind of fun things you have done and do as an “artist”?
I paint and draw, dabble in digital artistry, have published 2 books, published over 20 notebooks, created an adult coloring book, made password booklets, and even sell products with my art on it. I have also experimented with photography and created a virtual Flower gallery on Spacial.io .
I have run an Etsy store in the past where I sold money oils, sages, crystals that I wire wrapped, and other things of that nature.
And lastly, have made money giving Tarot/Oracle readings.
I create several types of things and will continue to expand on that as I grow and learn. But I can say that making art is my favourite avenue of expression.
Can you tell us about your journey as both an artist and an author? How did you get started in each field, and how do they complement each other?
I’ve been creative ever since I was a child. It was love that first triggered me to write, and it was my first art class in school that started my journey with creating art. My talents complement each other because art speaks, and words can create art. Either way, I’m great at making people feel, think, and connect through my creativity.How do you approach feedback and criticism, both for your art and writing? How do you use this feedback to grow and improve your work? Has it affected your growth as a creative individual?
If the opinion, suggestion, or criticism is useful to my journey, of course I’ll gladly incorporate it into my never-ending journey of learning and perfecting my craft. Doing this will naturally make me a better creative. You can always tell by someone’s energy if they are being heartfelt or hate-filled.How do you celebrate success and milestones in your creative career, whether it's completing a piece of art or publishing a new book?
The act of completing the project simultaneously activates the ritual of celebration. Therefore, the joy and excitement I experience once it’s done is the celebration. Anything beyond that is a bonus because I’m already thinking about my next projects. But I do love staring at my work at any given time.Are there any future projects or collaborations you're currently working on that you can share with your fans and audience?
II will keep specifics to myself, because I am not following a time structure and will work and release my projects as it feels right. But I can gladly say I am working on several projects at once.
Is there a specific project or piece that holds a special place in your heart, either as an artist or an author? What makes it so meaningful to you?
It might sound silly to some people, but EVERY piece of art or writing holds a special place in my heart. Because that’s where I create from. But there is one art project that really tugged at my heart strings called “Camy’s Comfort”. It was painted for my partner and had a touching story behind it. When I decided to create this painting of a pink elephant, I wanted him to feel the same happiness he felt as a child when he first made his connection to elephants. I wanted his inner child to be so touched by this Elephant painting that anytime he looks at it, it felt like a comforting hug. I wanted to encapsulate this feeling for him forever.What advice would you give to aspiring artists and authors who are looking to develop their creative talents?
There are enough resources out there today to lead you to your desired level of success. You just need to take the time to read and research. Appreciate your true supporters/friends, they make the aching journey easier. And most importantly, practice your gifts as often as you can. And please don’t ever stop being yourself. Always express your soul as you desire.Have you ever faced creative blocks, and if so, how do you overcome them?
I think every artist of any kind ever, has had a creative block. I’ve simply learned to take my time and address whatever mentally piled up inside of me that caused me to feel blocked in the first place. I don’t care if it takes me a day, a week, a month, or a year, but I will take care of my inner peace until it is intact again. Only then can things flow as I believe they should.What role do personal experiences and emotions play in your creative work? How do you channel them into both art and writing?
As a writer, most of my work came from emotion and personal experience. I wrote those books to heal my heart and soul. I wrote them because my story matters and I knew it would connect people. And I have received plenty of messages from people proving my point. It’s not hard to channel from your heart, just be REAL.
Art wise, I focus more on creating things that feel good and conjure the magic inside of me.Have you ever experienced moments of self-doubt about your work, and if so, how do you overcome them?
Considering I come from a background that wasn’t showered in building confidence or self-awareness, I have experienced moments of self-doubt in my work and even in life. The more I practice self-care and self-love rituals, the less doubt I must deal with. This in turn gets my creative juices flowing better. Of course it can creep up on you at any time, but knowing yourself and knowing what healing tools work for you will make these moments easier to overcome.How has your style evolved over the years in both your visual art and writing? What were some defining moments that shaped this evolution?
I don’t have one specific “style” that I follow when it comes to my art. If it looks and feels fun, I try it out. If I like it, I’ll do it more than once. The only thing that will remain intact during my artistic evolution is that whatever I create, it will be heartfelt and probably colorful AF. A lot of people say, “find your style and stick to it”, and I understand what they mean, but I can’t follow that regime.
I do draw eyes a lot in my work, they are the window to the soul after all. But I’m an eclectic soul, I must explore.
Do you prefer working on collaborative projects or solo endeavors, and how does the dynamic differ between these two approaches?
I honestly don’t collaborate with people when it comes to my art and writing journey. Most of my years I’ve always been a creative soul of solitude.
The only time I’ve collaborated successfully is when I am connecting with my husband’s projects and ideas to help him complete his visions or when making a mutual art project together. I’m not saying I’m not open to other collaborations in the future, but on a general basis I do most things solo.Can you tell us about your artistic journey?
I’ve always enjoyed creating art in some form. My first big art project during childhood was a big black cross made from cardboard, with a molded face made from clay that represented one of the members of the rock band “KORN” glued onto it. I was so proud of it. I ended up trading it with a friend for a KORN shirt. I regret that now, and I want my project back lmao.
I don’t just stick to painting, I dabble in a little bit of everything, and I look forward to trying things as I get the chance. Currently I am discovering textured art and the possibilities are truly endless.How do you approach the creative process? Are there specific rituals or routines you follow to get into the right mindset?
I simply try to be comfortable, because sitting down for long periods of time can take a toll on the body. Sitting on a yoga ball has made creating easier because of the free-range motions it allows me to have. I like having music or a “comfort movie” playing in the background and I usually create a lot at night. I don’t only bloom during daytime, I thrive at night as well.
My spiritual growth over the years has played a huge role in how I go about my life and art now a days, so that will always reflect in my work as well. I love how it all interconnects with each other.What role do you think art plays in society, and do you believe there's a deeper purpose or meaning to art, beyond aesthetics? If so, how would you describe it?
Art is the core of Earth, it’s even in the name. They say art is in the eye of the beholder, and literally anything can be seen as “art” if broken down by the right observer. The art world itself can be a ruthless playground, especially when art is selling for hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars. And just like with other things in life, can be corrupt when used for non-ethical purposes.
But all in all, art is what makes this world go around, aside from love. Art allows the soul to express the things that words can’t. Art speaks a universal language just like the soul does, therefore, it is the one tool other than love, that can be used universally to communicate.Are there any goals or ambitions in life that you’d like to share publicly? And is there anything else you’d like to share that is of importance to you?
I have touched so many hearts, made so many people smile, helped them, supported them, and made people happy with my art, projects, and existence. So even if I stopped doing that tomorrow, I would be at peace knowing what all I’ve already done thus far. But of course that will continue to be my mission in life
I’m more so busy these days focusing on my own personal growth, taking care of myself and my immediate family and keeping a peaceful atmosphere around me.
I’ll always create and make magic, which is an easy goal to maintain, because I don’t do it to please people, I do it for my soul.
I think the only important message that matters in the end is, be a good person. Do good for people and be the reason someone chooses to do and be better. Never stop learning, don’t let people screw you over and keep a curious heart.
Love, Love as well as you can. Always.Peace
