We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Feldman and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Seeing my children (now 15 year old twins) doing something they are passionate about that brings them joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michelle Juliet Feldman, and I am an artist based in the Santa Ynez Valley, California.
Ten years ago, I moved to the area and opened a stationery store that brought together my love for paper, letter writing, and invitation design—blending my background in hospitality with an eye for detail. That first shop grew into a larger retail space featuring sustainable, beautifully made goods from around the world.
After navigating the challenges of COVID and a decade of entrepreneurship, I decided to close the store to focus on raising my children. Three years ago, I picked up a paintbrush and returned to fine art in my fifties—bringing with me a lifetime of experiences and a renewed perspective.
I studied the fundamentals of oil painting through the lens of classical realism, focusing on still life while developing a personal style that celebrates texture, paper, text, and the play of light and shadow. I see art as an immersive experience—one that awakens the senses and evokes sight, memory, and emotion.
I began painting from home and was soon exhibiting in local galleries. I missed connecting with people, and I often heard from others who missed my greeting cards and stationery as well. So, I decided to reopen—a new and more intimate space that reflects my passion for connecting people through both writing and art.
The Giving Ink is very unique a space where the familiar joy of stationery meets the creative pulse of an art studio and gallery. Inspired by libraries and European salons—where people once gathered to converse, debate, and exchange ideas—this space is a smaller expression of a larger vision for community and creativity.
My current work combines oil on panel, delicate rice paper, and drypoint engraving. My lifelong fascination with paper began while earning my B.A. in Design from UCLA, where I fell in love with composition and craftsmanship. I went on to open two stationery stores featuring my original watercolors, custom maps, and paper designs.
Today, I continue my education with the Central Coast Art League, studying classical realism under Mary Kay West. As a cartographer, I have created hundreds of maps that connect people to their own sense of time and place—just as my paintings now aim to do through light, form, and feeling.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
An artist! These are great questions and I could pick many of them.
I think I was an artist at heart from a very young age, but I never believed I was “good enough,” so I pursued other paths, such as —running a museum, managing restaurants, building software and exploring different business outlets.
It wasn’t until after a difficult marriage and divorce in my forties that I began to truly see myself as an artist and feel worthy of that title. It took several more years before I had the confidence to sell my work and share it publicly.
All of those life experiences—the challenges, reinventions, and growth—have shaped my perspective and given me the tools to build a business centered around creating.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My journey of healing, was activated by a traumatic marriage/divorce and lead to creating art as a way to connect to myself, community, and the universe, ultimately living my happiest life.
I am an artist, a divorced mother of two teenagers, and navigated the complexities of trauma, massive feelings of unworthiness (including doubting that my trauma was ‘bad’ enough to share), ultimately uncovering simple tools that foster joy, ease, and contentment in my life, that are easily accessible. I believe these are the same ‘universal truths’ religious and spiritual leaders tap into and we can access ourself. Since a young child, I have always known there was something greater out there – for me and a universal connection. I was finally able to tap into it by doing something that made me feel good and getting out of me head. I started creating art, practicing yoga, mindfully breathing, eating & drinking, listening to music and being in nature. These helped me ultimately get me out of my head and into my body and intuition, finding the importance of being present and curious in the face of challenges.
I thought I was an introvert, but I began to realize it is social awkwardness from feelings of unworthiness, never being able to make mistakes and always just going with the flow.
I realize how much I enjoy connecting with people, but I was so self-conscious. I now seek out collaborations with individuals and businesses and thrive from the energy of co-creating, shared experiences and always learning.
I inspire people to tap into their own emotional landscapes and healing processes. Through my art, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging others to embrace their unique journeys of self-discovery. I can reflect on my personal experience with art as a healing tool. It started by painting in secret during a difficult marriage, which helped me calm her nervous system and connect with her unhealed inner child. As I share my story, listeners may gain insight into how embracing vulnerability and your passion can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. My journey is a testament to the magic that unfolds when we yoke/stich/integrate within ourselves, the community and the universe. I use the messiness of art as a bridge to heal, grow and find magic.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
ALL of use have the ability to be as spiritually enlightened as the spiritual leaders we look up too.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My greeting cards. : )
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegivingink.com
- Instagram: @thegivingink_michellejuliet
- Facebook: The Giving Ink: ARt by Michelle J. Feldman
Image Credits
Michelle Juliet Feldman
