Once Peace At a Time
Art by Michelle Furlong
written by Andrew Brown
We here at Appalachian Jamwich absolutely love to come across heartfelt, locally crafted artwork. The imaginative art work of Michelle Furlong is a breathe of fresh air from the complexity of some of the past visual artists we have profiled in the past. Michelle’s ideals of peace, love and hope for her fellow human beings are displayed beautifully through the simplistic inspirational quotes that fluidly drape each and every one of her works. The works of Michelle Furlong produce the comforting warmth of a nurtured home, accompanied with the exuberant support of those around who truly love us. Each message furnished onto her works of art speak to the nature of the infamous “paying it forward” credence. Luckily, we here at Appalachian Jamwich were able to interview the mother of positivity herself and catch a glimpse into how she views her artwork, human kind, and the world around us.
1. Where are you from? How do you think where you grew up affected how you turned out as an adult?
“I am from small town northern West Virginia. I spent a lot of peaceful time in the mountains on my grandparent’s farm. I am fortunate that I was able to experience society in the 1970’s. I learned at an early age that I am in control of my own happiness and I gave no one the power to take it away from me. I would not change a thing about my past experiences because that would have made me a different person. We are all products of our past experiences. The good, bad and ugly of where I grew up created the person I am today.”
2. Where do you live now?
” A peaceful home where one must enter with kindness in Morgantown, West Virginia.”
3. What is the most defining moment in your life this past year?
“Honestly? The opportunity to have this article written about my art. This gives me the chance to promote my ideas for a happier world.
We can’t always be perfect, but we can always be kind.
Be aware of those around us. If someone needs help, always try to help.
It takes more guts to be you than it does to be like someone else.
We are products of every experience we have had…use wisely.
Life is full of awesome little moments so don’t take them for granted.”
4. What is your view on life, i.e. the meaning you see behind it?
“My view on life is that we are all on a fantastic journey and our destination is inner peace. The energy of the universe provides us with moments of endless choices. If we trust our intuitions, we will follow the correct path. By doing this, we are happy. If we allow others to dictate our path or be motivated by personal gain, we cannot fully obtain inner peace. One way to find that sweet peace is to be kind. In being kind, I believe that we are loving and open-minded. We should try to be more aware of the needs of those around us. Offer a smile or a kind word. Do random kind acts. When we practice a kind way of being, it becomes a part of who we are inside and then becomes second nature. When we live with love in mind, we are happy.”
5. Were you always artistic or did something bring on the desire to create?
” I started expressing my thoughts through art when I was a teenager to help me cope with the world around me. I felt that I could express the way I wanted the world to be through being creative. I painted a rock in 1981 and I still have it. I painted this on it, To know is nothing at all. To imagine is everything. It’s funny because my style hasn’t changed in all of these years.”
6. Tell me about your creative process.
“Before I can start, I see my totally completed piece in my mind. Once I see it, I become focused and get excited to see it finished. I have worked late into many mornings. I have no formal training and my work may not be “technically” correct but the messages are important to me. It makes me very happy when someone likes one of my works because it tells me that they get my message. I create what feels good to me. If we create something from the depths of our soul, that art is beautiful. If someone says that a piece of art is wrong, it’s like saying someone’s feelings are wrong. I find inspiration in just about everything. It’s all in how I see the world.”
7. Why do you think art/creativity is necessary to society?
“I think art tells a story of a time in society. I choose to see the world as a kind place. My art reflects much needed positivity in today’s world. In society today, many have lost touch with the keys to a happy life. I try to break the negative loop through my art. I don’t want to wait for the world to change; I want to be the change. If one person finds inspiration and can make a personal positive change in their life, then my endeavor is successful.”
8. Who/what is your inspiration? where do you find inspiration?
“My past experiences are my inspiration. Every choice I have made has brought me to be in this place and time with my soul partner. I see the world as I want it to be and that reflects in my pieces. I take notice of the smallest gifts from nature. In my daily thoughts, I think of ideas that could change the world for the better. I combine that beauty with positive ideas and create pieces with peace in mind.”
9. What are some challenges in your craft that you have experienced?
“The one and only challenge I have is that I have to work a 9-5 job. I would be as happy as a pig in poop if I could spend every creative moment at home. ‘Cheekish grin’…One day, one day.”
10. Is art your only career or do you also have another career?
If by career you are referring to passion. Then the answer is yes. I use a creative process in many ways throughout my daily life. I use passionate creativity in not only my pieces but in gardening, baking, cooking, etc. Everything I do from baking to gardening is an opportunity to be creative. I just can’t do boring.
11. What is your studio or workspace like?
” Pretty much our whole home. I would love to have a designated space where I could create and leave all of my works in progress. You got to use what you got and I am truly grateful for what I got.”
12. If you could teach or tell the new generation of artists one concept, what would it be?
“If you create something from the depths of your soul, let no one ever say it’s wrong. It bothers me when people say that they aren’t creative. I believe that everyone is creative. The key is to know how to tap into that ability. It’s different for everyone. Be uninhibited and your complete authentic self.”
13. What are you working on currently, what are your plans for the future?
” I am working on some canvas work and always have too many ideas for the amount of time I have available. My plans are to continue to use my art to promote kindness, tolerance, knowledge and peace. I would love to have the opportunity to display a piece where the world would see it.”
14. How does your outlook on life come out in your creations?
“All of the messages in my work are absolutely from my heart. My art represents my belief system. It makes me very happy when someone likes my art. It means to me that they get my conveyed message. I choose to see the good and promote kindness.”
15. Where can we buy/order your creations?
“For canvas, personally created furniture pieces or charity auction items, please contact me via email at michrock00@hotmail.com and in the subject line type Art Peace and I can provide my phone number or I am on FB at One Peace at a Time.”
