Greetings from the Stood,
Oh my gosh, I'm so excited that this moment is finally here underneath my fingertips and in front of my eyeballs. I've been wanting to create this newsletter for forever.
So not only is this the first installment of Delicate Genius (previously known as Artsy Smartsy RIP) but I have a really fun update from the studio for you as well (I went to SWEDEN PEOPLE).
"We mustn't disturb the Delicate Genius" (made famous by George on Seinfeld) is a phrase we use in my house when Michelle is feeling especially sensitive (every day) because I am easily overstimulated (maybe you too right?) I mean, you are a creative, art loving, person who makes things most likely sooooo yeah.
This is my love letter to you, artist to artist. I'll tell you more about Sweden, stories and lessons from the studio, stories from my personal life, and stuff I love.
Anyway, lets talk about SWEDEN OMG: My art (specifically this painting) made babies with pillows, blankets, rugs and fabric at IKEA. I FRIGGIN KEA. I am so proud to be part of the Ikea PS 2026 collection. Pinch me!!!
STUDIO NOTES:
I shall premise this news with the insight that I have been sitting on this secret since 2023. Can you even? I deserve a FRIGGIN METAL for this ok, just sayin.
My art will kinda live in the homes of people ALL OVER THE WORLD. I am beyond pinching myself, I think a self punch is actually more appropriate.
But wait, there's more: I traveled to Sweden for the launch of IKEA’s new PS collection (a special design-focused collection where they collaborate with artists and designers from around the world to create limited edition pieces for the home.)
Full Circle Moment: Did you know that the idea for the Totem paintings came from a fantasy of a trip to Sweden, to an imaginary cabin in an imaginary fishing village? Yeah, crazy right.
I still can't believe I was just in Sweden. If you wanna see more about my trip, the collection and the usual shenanigans look here.
Am I feeling proud of myself? Yes. I am not going to claim that I totally called this, or manifested it (maybe a little bit). However, what I DID do was create my art following a solid plan and made sure to see it allllll the way through.
I have had the dream of creating an iconic, simple, meaningful and powerful art style for years (way back in 2006 actually) and I kept at it until I figured it out. Totems are it for me. And I am so proud of my system, and how well it has worked for me that I wanna shout it from the roooftopsssssss. I spent 15 years perfecting it, and I am so proud to be watching this full circle moment.
Stay tuned for stories from Sweden, the coolest shoes, and new in person classes for this Summer and Fall.
xoxoxo
Michelle