ALL ABOUT

THE ARTIST MICHELLE VELLA

Artist Statement

"My artistic journey is all about a love affair with nostalgic pop culture and the magnetic charm of celebrity icons. These aren’t just subjects—they’re storytellers, time machines, and joy-bringers. Through my art, I want to transport you back to those magical moments that made you smile, laugh, or feel connected to something bigger.

Every brushstroke I paint is like a little love letter—to myself, to my subjects, and to the joy I hope it sparks in you. Seeing my art light up someone’s face? That’s the best feeling in the world! It’s why I keep picking up the brush day after day.

I pour passion and purpose into every creation, blending vibrant colors with the electric energy of the people and objects that inspire me. These icons aren’t just part of history; they’re part of our stories, and celebrating them feels like throwing a big, bold, visual party in their honor.

At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to create art that makes people happy. Whether it’s the wide-eyed wonder of my portraits or the playful nostalgia of pop culture objects, I hope my work brings a sense of warmth and connection to your space and your heart.”

MEET THE ARTIST

Michelle Vella, a Canadian artist based in Toronto, is renowned for her vibrant and captivating portrayals of nostalgic celebrity icons with her signature big-eye style. Even from a young age, Michelle's artistic talent was evident, and she pursued a degree in Fine Arts. However, feeling unsatisfied with the traditional starving artist path, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore various art-related and non-related careers, allowing her to develop skills in sales, marketing, and business. After a successful decade running her graphic design business, RealSTUDIO®, Michelle made the bold decision at the age of 50 to pursue art full-time.

The Turning Point

The turning point in Michelle's career came with the rise of Instagram, which rapidly propelled her wide big-eye portraits to instant success within the New York fashion scene. In 2015, iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg discovered Michelle's work on Instagram and eagerly purchased Michelle's portrait of her, now proudly displayed in Diane's art collection at the DVF Fashion House in NYC. That same year, Michelle received a commission from W Magazine to create custom portraits of their editors, including the esteemed Edward Enninful, who was the Fashion Editor at the time and is now the Editor in Chief of British Vogue. Michelle also had the opportunity to paint live portraits of influential figures like Emily Ratajkowski at W's annual NY Fashion Week 'It Girl" Celebrity Luncheon.

Becoming a Pop Artist

Inspired by her experiences, Michelle transitioned from fashion illustrator to pop artist, focusing on painting nostalgic portraits of celebrated icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, and Andy Warhol on canvas. Her distinctive big-eye style brings these iconic figures to life, evoking a sense of nostalgia and whimsy that never fails to bring a smile to viewers' faces. Michelle's artistic journey is a testament to her passion, versatility, and ability to create captivating artworks that resonate with audiences worldwide.

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