Here is a sneak peek at my Wednesday post for The Southern Coterie to feature four of my favorite artists (alphabetically I will start). Michelle is one ONE KINGS LANE today too as an emerging artist. I loved getting to know these rising stars…

I want to introduce The Southern C readers to four extremely talented southern artists. They are all from different areas of the south each with a style all their own. I bet you will fall in love with their work just as I have.  I currently own pieces of the three of these talented women.  I may just make it four. Enjoy!

Michelle Armas

Atlanta, Georgia

What is your training?

Graduate degree in Graphic Design and Branding. I studied International Affairs in college. 

What inspires you and your art?

Mostly photography. I am inspired by other amazing, productive ladies and my friends (one in the same most of the time). I love my life and I am always trying to grow and improve. 

What is your favorite installation of your work or piece? 

Anthology Painting by Michelle Armas in an interior by Chloe Warner of Redmond Aldrich Design

How has the south influenced your work?

The lifestyle here is slow and peaceful and friendly. I need a lot of rest, much more than I would get if I worked in an office or by some body's schedule other than my own. Atlanta has a huge percentage of entrepreneurs, it seems like everyone I know is doing it on their own.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Atlanta area?

Float Away Cafe. Been going there for ten years, and it is always a slam dunk. Great cocktails, and get the flour-less chocolate cake.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Margarita, but only the way I make it, or a few select places like Leons in Decatur. 

How do you balance young children and work?

It’s pretty easy for me since I don't have kids. 

Dream trip?

One week in Marrakesh buying up as many textiles and hand made things as I can, eating well and enjoying all the friendly people. Then rent a house on the cost, secluded…for another week. THEN (we are dreaming here) shoot over to Italy and island hop around Capri.

Dream commission?

 Designer Miles Redd calls me up and says "Hello there young lady, I need a painting from you." 

 Your favorite hostess gift?

 A pretty vase that I have put away to give as a gift, filled with flowers from my garden. OR  A damn good bottle of wine, but I would have to really know them and what wine they like.

 Who is your style icon?

All those Brooklyn girls who wear flat sandals and floaty not too feminine dresses and look so chic. How do they do it? Also my friends have great style, and I learn a lot from them.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Jessica Durrant

What is your most treasured possession?

A pair of rose gold bangles that belonged to my grandmother. She melted down all the random stuff she had and had four square-edged bangles made, I have two and my mom has the other two.  

"Sally" by Michelle Armas, 48" x 48" Hanging in my family room.

"Taurus" by Michelle Armas, 24" x 24"