A Day In The Fro of Michelle Ellechim

A Day in The Fro of Michelle Ellechim

 

On a Purple Fold Down couch across from a homemade art studio and surrounded by several works in progress on her living room wall, I sit with Michelle Ellechim of The Assembly Era. Michelle is a graphic designer who recently dipped into the world of painting. Today we will be discussing how this all became the platform for upcoming Art Exhibit "Giants & Elephants" and of course how her natural hair journey effected this positive movement.

 

Q:  So let's start with the basics, how long have you been natural?

Michelle: I would say about 2 years now.

 

Q: What prompted you to go natural?

Michelle: I was looking for a different style.

 

           (Michelle Ellechim Pre-Natural)

 

 

Q: What method did you use to go natural?

Michelle: I had micros in my hair which I grew out for about 2 months, before that I had not gotten for a month, then I did a big chop after 2 months of growth with the micros.

 

Q: How did people react to you going natural?

Michelle: Weird, like I was getting a heart transplant or something. I cut it off in my grandmother's bathroom so my family was looking at me crazy.

 

Q: Would you say that being natural has changed you in anyway?

Michelle: Yes, I use to be the girl with the expensive weaves so, in a way it liberated me. It enlightened me, felt like I was discovering something new.

 

 







Q: Would you say that being natural has affected your art in anyway?

Michelle: I guess it effected how I see women. When I paint women I include coils and kinks now instead of waves and tresses.

 

Q: What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming show?

Michelle: I am most looking forward to my family finally seeing the bigger picture. So they can finally see that the choices that I made were worth it and that I think I know what I am doing, to see that I am trying.

 

Q: How long have you been painting?

Michelle: It has been about 2 years for painting and I started getting into art around that time too.

 

Q: How long have you been working on the "Giants & Elephants" exhibit?

Michelle: 6 months

 

Q: What is the meaning behind the title "Giants & Elephants"?

Michelle: Well, Giant as in my belief is huge. I chose Elephant because I believe that if I were any animal, it would be an Elephant. I say that because of their respect for life and nature. Elephant's have something that is called a Dharma which is like their master's call. When ever they hear it they drop everything and stop at nothing to reach their goal. I feel like art is my Dharma.

 

Q: What is your favorite piece you have produced for this show?

Michelle: Well, it was my Basquiat before it was stolen from the studio I was working out of.

 

Q: Wow, well what would now be your piece that you are most excited about?

Michelle: You gone have to get back to me. I am not done making pieces yet. I got some stuff you not ready for. I got a lot of different ideas and different mediums that I want to try. I am just proud of it all.

 

Q: Who would you say is your biggest art influence?

Michelle: I don't have one yet. I am still discovering. I don't know a lot of names but I like the Expressionist like Basquiat and the Surrealist like Dali. I haven't had a first love yet.

 

Q: What is your favorite artistic medium to use?

Michelle: Sharpies. I love drawing lines and using Sharpies on anything.

 

Q: And, what is your favorite product to use on your curls?

Michelle: Organix Coconut Milk line and raw Coconut Oil

 

Q: Lastly, what is your signature hairstyle?

Michelle: I don't really have one, I guess my head wraps.

 

 

Come out on March 1st for a one of a kind experience. You can find more information on "Giants & Elephants" on the website listed above or on Facebook. Reserve your spot today!