Here at Art2Arts our artist interview series has been very popular. Offering an insight into the thoughts, inspirations and creative process of many artists in our creative community, we’re not surprised that you’ve enjoyed learning more about those who create the fantastic work that makes your home brighter!

However, as well as learning about each individual artist, we also wanted to dig deeper into the personality responsible for running our online art gallery. In our latest post meet Michelle Gibbs, mother, painter and Art2Arts director.

Michelle Gibbs

You started selling your art online back in 2006. Was this when you first discovered you loved making art, or have you done so since you were a child?

I have always been creative and since I was a child was always making, creating and drawing, however I didn’t start painting properly until about 2004.

What were your first pieces like? How has this changed?

My early work was much different from now. I did my first ever paintings using emulsion paint, as I had decorated my bedroom and used what I had leftover! It’s still hanging in my auntie’s house. Now my style has developed, and I paint using acrylics and oil rather than industrial wall paint!

‘On the Other Side’

 ‘On the Other Side’ – view here.

What did you do before you set up Art2Arts?

I was studying at collage, then went on to do a degree in Interior design. I worked in a call centre on the side and I also did a lot of traveling, which I’m sure inspires my work to this day.

Did you always think you would within art?

Yes, I just didn’t know in what way.

And did you ever think you would own a business?

Yes.  I was inspired by my dad who always owned his own business. I remember answering his business line when I was very young. I set up a desk in my bedroom, ready and waiting for a call to come in! I also used to make Christmas stockings and hair scrunches and sell them at school – I suppose you could say I have been business minded from a very young age.

As well as realising that there were other artists that also needed a platform to sell their work online, were there any other events, personal or cultural, that led towards you setting up Art2Arts?

I initially set it up to sell my own artwork. I admire other artists and just started contacting them to join. It naturally grew from there.

‘The Creative’

‘The Creative’ – view here.

What was your mission when you first set up Art2Arts?

To offer ONLY original artwork by UK based artists and to offer excellent customer service. I’m very passionate about this.

Has this changed now?

I’ve stuck with the above, but the number of artists has grown dramatically as has the website and the ease of using it, helping me to reach these goals.

Do you think the art, or the online art landscape has changed over the 11 years that you have been running your business?

Yes very much so. There are a lot more online galleries today than when I first started, but I believe as long as you offer the best and provide a great service people will come back when looking to buy artwork.

Do you think that it is important for artists to take their career into their own hands to make a living at it?

Yes, you no longer have to rely on physical galleries. You can make it on your own – just go out and try it!

‘Evening Stroll’

‘Evening Stroll’ – view here.

What is your favourite part about running your own business?

The flexibility and not having to get up early! No, I enjoy offering original artwork and get great satisfaction from being able to offer a place where artists can sell their artwork and customers can get peace of mind, buying it with a safe platform.

You have recently become a mother – has this changed the way you run your business?

No, I have developed the business so that there are lots of processes in place which make it easier to run. Luckily, she is a good girl (so far) so I still get plenty of time to work on my business.

What can we expect from Art2Arts in the future?

More quality artwork and a continuing stream of fantastic artists joining our community!

Michelle Gibbs hosts her work online, joining the many original artists that use the platform. You can view her personal work here.

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