Meet artist Michelle Lauritsen

As far as blogging goes, one of the best perks is getting to share my favorite emerging artists with all of you. This month's feature sponsor, Michelle Lauritsen, creates some of my most beloved items to collect…paper mache dolls/figures. And right at the top of this post I wanted to illustrate what a fan I am of her work. The above pic of those three wonderful bunnies, is a photograph that I took here in my own home. Those were the first three pieces I got from Michelle about 6 months ago. I can't believe how perfect they are. Everything about them compliments my personal aesthetic…from the pale pastel tones and polka dots, to their vintage style and faint antique wash. I love every new series she creates. I was saying to Aaron that if we came upon her work at a show…something like the Country Living Fair…that one stop at her booth would probably break my budget for the entire day! Anyway, I'm thrilled to be able to share this interview with you guys. Michelle is great…total sweetheart…and it's so awesome when the personality of the artist perfectly matches how lovely their artwork is. I hope you enjoy this little behind-the-scenes glimpse.
What is your name and/or business and blog name? My name is Michelle Lauritsen and my business/blog is A Pinch of Prim.
What do you do? ...and when did you start? I make Paperclay/Mache dolls and whimsical characters. I started playing around with Paperclay in 2010.

What/Who are you inspired by? My dad is very creative and artistic. He used to have a side business making ice carvings. Huge, heavy pieces that started out as a block of ice, then were roughly cut with a chainsaw, and detailed and perfected with a bevy of chisels and tools. It's funny how different yet similar our art is to each other’s. He definitely inspired me growing up. There are also many artists that inspire me, including Nicol Sayre, Colleen Moody, Jenene Mortimer, Danita Art, Jenny and Aaron!, etc….

Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa? Luckily, we have a spare room that I converted into my studio. It's one of my favorite places to be.

What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music? We probably don't even need cable in my household. I love Netflix. There are plenty of shows on TV that I like, but I prefer to watch them on Netflix. I can watch at my own speed with no commercials! Some of my favorites are: Sons of Anarchy, The Killing, Scandal, The Walking Dead, Hell on Wheels, any Jane Austen movie Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre. Documentaries!! I LOVE a good documentary. I love all different kinds of music. While I'm typing this I'm listening to some Brandi Carlile.

Do you collect anything? Although I'm not sure how it happened, I have a big collection of old jars. I love finding teeny tiny ones.
Favorite art/craft supplies? My favorite art supply is definitely Creative Paperclay. It's soft and very easy to work with. Oh yeah, I also have to have on hand, Folk Art's Vintage White and Burnt Umber acrylic paint. I use those on every single piece I make.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I'm happy with how I've improved these last 5 years. So, in 5 more years I hope to improve even more. I would love to have my work licensed one day. I'm hoping to start selling some illustrated pieces in my Etsy shop in the future and there are a few other things I have up my sleeve!
Three favorite websites/blogs/shops…etc? Pinterest, Instagram, and FB.

Anything else you'd like to add? I'm 38 years old. I graduated High School in 1994. I just celebrated my 18th wedding Anniversary to my husband Mike. I have 2 amazing kids. My 16 year old son Dylan and my 14 year old daughter Casey. I don't ever discuss my personal life on FB, but I love my family so, so much!! They're my true inspiration! I'm doing my first Halloween Art Show on Sept. 20, 2014. The name is Hallowbaloo, it's produced by Robert Eberz and Dennis Haynes and there will be some great artists attending this year. It's in Bothell, WA, so if you are around the Seattle area, be sure to check it out! You can find Hallowbaloo on FB. Thank you Jenny and Aaron!
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As I said…total sweetheart! Don't you just love discovering talented people, and then getting to know a little bit about their artistic process and personal lives? I know I do.
Be sure to visit all the links above…and definitely reach out and say hi to Michelle!
You can find Michelle on Instagram, Facebook, and on her blog.
And if you're a fan like I am…you can shop 'til you drop in her Etsy shop!

Thanks for reading!
xo, Jenny…and Aaron says hi!