Meet Michelle Bracewell | Vintage Mixed Media Assemblage Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Bracewell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been an artist all my life—always making, always creating. At the same time, I’ve always been a picker, a junker, someone drawn to the history of forgotten objects. Around 2011, I discovered assemblage art and suddenly everything clicked. After years of collecting old, rusty, curious things, I finally had a way to give them new life and meaning. It’s like solving a puzzle with no instructions—finding the heart of a piece, then building a story around it.

Creativity has always been at the core of my life. I’ve run my own web design agency since 2000, helping small businesses shape their visual identity. But art is where I get to be completely free. My studio is filled with shelves of labeled bins, each one packed with items waiting for their second act. These objects—paired with painting, clay, and a bit of magic—are the foundation of my work.

For years I created quietly, sharing my work only with close friends and family. But in November 2022, I took a leap and entered my first juried art exhibit, Recycle Santa Fe—and won first place. That moment changed everything. I knew it was time to go all in. And now? I’m finally living the creative life I always imagined.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in storytelling, memory, and a deep love for the forgotten. I create one-of-a-kind mixed media assemblage sculptures using vintage and antique found objects—things most people overlook or toss aside. But to me, these objects are full of history, energy, and soul. My process is like visual archaeology: I dig through bins and boxes, searching for that one piece that whispers a story. From there, I build something new—playful, sometimes poignant, always layered with meaning. And one of the things I’m most proud of is that every piece comes with a written story. Not just a description, but a short narrative that brings the character or theme to life. Writing those stories is as much a part of my creative process as sculpting or assembling—I want people to feel like they’ve stumbled into a world with history, humor, and heart.

I don’t make quiet, background art. I make conversation starters. Each piece has a personality, a past, and a spark. And while the stories I tell are layered with humor or heart, there’s often something deeper underneath—commentary on identity, resistance, women’s rights, aging, and freedom.

What sets my work apart is its personality. It’s quirky, soulful, sometimes rebellious, and often unexpected. I want people to laugh, feel something, or be transported. I want them to see my art, read its story and suddenly feel nostalgia, wonder and WOW. That mix of whimsy and grit? That’s where the magic lives.

Getting to where I am hasn’t been a straight line. I’ve had many incarnations in my career but made art quietly on the side. I didn’t go to art school. I wasn’t showing in galleries. I just kept making things, experimenting, teaching myself new tools and techniques.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t need permission. Make the work, trust your gut, and keep showing up. There’s power in embracing your own voice – and in building a life that feels true to who you are. That’s what I want people to see when they experience my art: that beauty can come from chaos, that old things can be reborn, and that there’s always a story worth telling – especially the weird ones.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooooo, so many choices here on the front range! OK, if they loved junkin’, like I do I’d take them to my favorite thrift stores, then find an estate sale to go to. Maybe head to Florence for more junkin’ and lunch.

Depending on the time of year, take off for the scenic route Highway of Legends between LeVeta and Trinidad. and/or up to Cripple Creek and Victor.

Here in town, we’d have to hit Shuga’s for their famous Coconut Shrimp soup. And at least one evening we’d have to gallery hop and maybe hit District Eleven for tasty cocktails afterwards. For more variety you can visit Ivywild and view art by local artists, grab local brew and enjoy the history.

Manitou Springs is so fun with lots of great art – and talk about history! You can partake in a walk and talk of the artisan springs there and taste them all. Very educational, and delightful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! Eli King is the manager of Platte Collections Gallery. They have been supporting me and promoting my work for the last year. Eli is my biggest cheerleader! They have given me so much love and encouragement and because of their representation of my work, not only have I sold many artworks, I got a full feature article in the Gazette, and a story on KOAA TV.

Website: https://michellebracewell.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellebracewellart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bracewell.art/

Image Credits
Michelle Bracewell