Michelle Vigeant has been drawing animals since she was a child. She holds a degree in biology to further her understanding about how critters work. Spending years studying their bones, tracks and more ( yes, even their scat!) gives her a very intimate perspective of their habits, anatomy and placement within the world. She loves to tell stories that connect people with animals. She is very versatile in subject matter. Her favorite materials are watercolors, markers, colored pencils and ink as well as digital.
Michelle lives with her family in Sunderland Massachusetts on the Connecticut River, where she walks to think through ideas and be with nature. She has a husband, a school-aged child and her dog Kai, and they hike regularly. She has fibromyalgia, a condition that can cause episodes of widespread pain, but uses those flares as a reminder to use the healthy time she has wisely.
She has illustrated the cover of the book “The Whispering Basket” which is available on Amazon.com, participated in a residency through Creative Quarantine, created scientific illustrations for the University of Kansas, done a number of shows in the western Massachusetts area, and can often be found at various fandom conventions throughout the eastern coast of the US. She has also live painted for the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in New York.
Stormslegacy’s Business Values
Social Justice
As someone with both invisible disabilities and on the LGBTQIAA+ spectrum, it’s important that humans all are portrayed with care in regards to intersectional issues.
Accurate to the Animals
I love fantasy, and I do sometimes take license, but I try to keep most of the details realistic. I feel that even fantasy does best when grounded in basic laws of biology
Giving Back To The Art Community
I try to commit time to sharing techniques and to help other self-taught artists in the journeys. I don’t always have time for individual aid but I do try to give when I can.
Connect People To Animals and Educate
I feel my role as an artist is to share the passion I have for my subject and offer space for people to explore and ask questions.
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