Artist Statement​

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I am the sole artist in the world to develop and practice a sculpted paper painting technique that transforms the traditional flat canvas into a vibrant, three-dimensional surface. My work exists at the intersection of painting and sculpture—where emotion, movement, and form collide.

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Using layers of hand-sculpted tissue paper applied directly to canvas, I create raised compositions that physically extend off the surface, some up to four inches. Once the sculptural form is complete, I apply oil paint to bring each piece to life—infusing color, texture, and energy. The process is entirely manual, deeply tactile, and rooted in intuition.

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My goal is to create work that doesn't just hang on the wall—it reaches out. I want the viewer to feel the work before fully understanding it, to experience the play of shadow and light, depth and detail, motion and stillness. Each piece reflects my desire to express strength, emotion, and vitality in a way that transcends the limitations of traditional two-dimensional painting.

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Through this self-invented method, I aim not only to create something visually striking, but to offer a new kind of sensory and emotional experience—one that invites curiosity, challenges perception, and brings a sculptural presence to the language of paint.

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The Process 

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The intricate process begins with meticulously layering, shaping, and adhering tissue paper onto the canvas using gel medium, yielding a breathtakingly tangible three-dimensional tableau. As time allows the composition to solidify, a burst of vibrant hues is skillfully applied, imbuing the artwork with an extra layer of theatrics —a visual symphony of motion frozen in time. Michelle's subject matter delves into the realm of earthbound existence: nature's inhabitants, the symbiosis of life with the land, the allure of mountain living, and the indomitable human spirit navigating its journey. Through her art, she reawakens a sense of reverence for a simpler, unpretentious way of life—an artistry that echoes with the essence of awakening.

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In the world of art, Michelle Larsen stands as a pioneer, sculpting stories with paper and paint, inviting us to rethink the boundaries of creativity. Her art is not just a visual feast, but a transformative encounter that challenges our perception, ignites our senses, and leaves an indelible mark on our artistic journey.

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​​Biography

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Michelle graduated from the Rocky Mountain School of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado, and began her career as a billboard artist and sign painter, specializing in script lettering with a quill brush. As vinyl lettering replaced traditional sign painting, she explored new creative ventures. After closing her nine-year business, Creative Gift Baskets in Boise, Idaho, Michelle took up painting for enjoyment. Her talent quickly became evident, leading her to develop a distinctive style—creating three-dimensional paintings through paper sculpture.

 

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