Michelle L. Purvis

Art is my calming release. A process of discovery combining physical exploration and research, like a puzzle to solve.

Currently 17th

in their Group
VOTE

You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for the Top 15 ends Thursday the 21st of May at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

Learn More
Connect
What is your favorite type of art to create?

I create surrealist landscapes where hands become mountains and bodies forming our land. Working with a muted color palette, I layer acrylic paint with charcoal to add detail and soft, blended shadows. I incorporate thread—both machine-stitched and hand-sewn—to introduce texture and connection, merging painted and textile elements into dreamlike environments.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work explores ecology and preservation through surrealist compositions built with acrylic paint, thread, and fabric on canvas. I layer stitched textiles and painted forms to create imagined landscapes where natural elements merge, shift, and transform. Fabric suggests memory and place, while thread acts as a connective line—binding fragmented environments and echoing the interdependence found in ecosystems.

What would you do with $25,000?

If awarded $25,000, I would use the funds to upgrade my studio, allowing for expanded materials, workspace improvements, and greater creative flexibility. I would also apply a portion toward paying off student loans, helping me dedicate more time and energy to my art practice.

The Art of Elysium

Vote for Michelle L. Purvis to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Powered by Colossal

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.


Explore Colossal Fundraising