We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Drummond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how do you think about risk?

I think about risk as an avenue for change. To venture into an unforeseen that can positively or negatively impact your life but hoping for the former than the latter. I have always been a risk taker. I believe in taking chances to pursue paths that will lead to my accomplishing my goals or to just simply make me happy. If you are not taking risks, you are not living and that is what life is all about living and enjoying it to the fullest while you can, because it is very unpredictable. One of the first risks I took was leaving the security of friends, family, a familiar culture and environment to come to the US to continue my education and venture into the unknown. I has dreams and aspirations and taking this plunge was one step towards accomplishing them. The other huge risk I took was to leave a “secure” career in Project Management in corporate and start a management consulting company to give myself the freedom to be my own boss. I wanted the flexibility to continue practicing Project Management but on my own terms while I pursue my passion as an artist. This led me to where I am today, a Contemporary Mixed Media Fine Artist with a Project Management background.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist. I create magnificent 2-D and 3-D artwork by manipulating multi-colored, multi-weighted yarn on canvas along with acrylic paint and glue. I also create 3-D sculptures off canvas using the same medium. What sets me apart from other artists is the uniqueness of my technique in manipulating yarn to create each of my artwork. My pieces are truly one of a kind and can’t be placed in a box. They are effervescent, vibrant, engaging and thought provoking, leaving the audience in awe and wanting to learn more. Each piece I create, I push myself a little harder and I’m amazed at the end product. Therefore, I am very excited about what is to come, the evolution of my craft and the endless possibilities.

My background is very analytical (Bsc. Mathematics and Masters in Project Management), so I spent most of my former years working in the Project Management industry…yes very technical..and not to sound cliche as in may bio’s that I’ve read…there was this void that I kept trying to fill, until I decided to really pursue my creative side. This was the piece that was missing to create that balance in my life and propelled me to transition to be come a Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist.

Life has not been easy leaving my home country Jamaica and venturing into an unfamiliar environment. There has been a lot of lessons learned throughout my 26 years of living here. In everything you do here you have to be three times better than your counterpart in order to be recognized. You have to be beyond the best at what you do. This perpetual challenge to survive in this environment has made me into more of a perfectionist than ever and it is reflected in my craft and how I live my life in general. I am very much and optimist and believe that you determine your own destiny. Life has endless possibilities, you just have to choose to pursue them!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Top spots I would take my best friend: 1. Downtown, Delray Beach – So many stimulants here, the restaurants (Cabana and Papa’s Tapas to name a couple), the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the night life, the quaint off the Ave neighborhoods 2. Morikami Gardens & Museum – Just zen, simply zen, mental getaway 3. Key West – The environment has this old world feel that just relaxes you and eliminates all your troubles 4. Mounts Botanical Gardens 5. Cornell Art Museum – Melanie Johansen and team are amazing at curating fabulous exhibits

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would like to dedicate this shoutout to two individuals who have been a motivating factor in my life, supported and encouraged me throughout the years. The first individual is my son Kael. He gives me the strength to want to continue to fight for my dreams when at times they seem unattainable. I look at him and he reminds me that you are your only limitation and there is nothing I can’t achieve despite the obstacles along the way. The second individual is my sister from another mother, Renaee Smith (Children’s Author, www.renaeesmith.com). She has been my champion throughout my creative career and beyond. She believed in my gift and kept encouraging me for many years to really put effort into my craft because what I have is “gold”. After 15 years of convincing I did and she was RIGHT! I cannot thank her enough for the support, the shoulder to lean on, to vent and brainstorm ideas.

Website: www.drummondfineart.com

Instagram: @drum_strings

Linkedin: Michelle Drummond

Facebook: Drummond Fine Art

Image Credits
Photo credit by Colleen Thompson, @colleenthompsonart

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