Annaliese Kondo
At Auburn University, Michelle received her B.F.A in Graphic Design with extensive studies in Art History before moving to the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, her creative journey has taken many forms, from being a graphic designer, an art gallery technician, owner/designer of a ceramics company, and a co-owner/designer of an interior design company. Through all the years, one creative outlet remained the same, her passion for painting. With homes in Atlanta and on St. Simons Island, she found creative inspiration from balancing time between the fast-paced energy of the city and the more relaxed coastal vibe. While she enjoyed the constant movement, sounds and diversity of cultures in the urban environment, she found herself rejuvenated by the abundant natural beauty and color in the flora and fauna of the island. Now St. Simons Island has become her permanent home and location of her studio and gallery. There, in the heart of the village, you’ll find a bold variety of art for everyone: detailed oil and acrylic paintings, energetic abstracts, and whimsical watercolors, along with her unique hand-painted mats and stationery.
Michelle believes that the expressive world of art has endless options. While you may begin your artist journey by learning the formal rules of composition, design, and mediums, you grow and improve your skills by breaking those rules, pushing limits, testing boundaries, collaborating, and exploring. Michelle uses a wide array of mediums, including acrylic, graphite, inks, oils and watercolors, and loves to paint in bright, bold colors. Using a playful approach when creating, she often finds inspiration in textiles, chinoiseries, as well as the nature that surrounds her. The colors and movement within her works are inspired by sights, sounds, and energy she has experienced in her travels and her life.
In fact, her outlook in life is much the same as her approach to creating art. Any mistakes along the way aren’t failures, but life lessons. She’s always moving forward, facing challenges head on, embracing a life lived to the fullest with passion, presence, and positivity. She’s thrilled that her journeys up to this point have led her to plant roots on St. Simons Island, but it won’t stop her from continuing to seek more adventures through travel and new experiences. And of course, she’ll use inspiration from those to create more vibrant and vivid works that express her unique artistic perspective.
Stop in and see Michelle and her art at the M. S. Ottley Art Gallery inside Pier Village Market at 215 Mallery Street. Follow MSOttley Art on Facebook and @msottleyart on Instagram or visit msottleyart.com.
