Michelle Bien

Why did you choose the University of Michigan instead of an art institute?

I wanted the opportunity to take non-visual arts courses, such as creative writing, dance, and cultural classes.

Which ways are you involved with art at the University?

Since I am an art student, I am offered the chance to submit my artwork to exhibitions at the WORK Exhibition Space, on State Street, and the Slusser Gallery in the Art & Architecture Building. I currently work at Arts at Michigan, where I occasionally help coordinate art projects such as the mural project in the parking structure on 4th and William. I also draw cartoons for the Michigan Daily and work at the WORK Exhibition Space, where I help to run the exhibitions.

How do you balance your studies and still have time for art?

As an art major, most of my studies involve creating art. This is a big plus and was one of the reasons why I decided to not major in something more academic. However, because I am a full-time student, working, and trying to prepare for life after graduation, I hardly have enough time to create art that isn't for a school project. When a great opportunity to create art comes along, such as an exhibition opening or a client in need of an artist, I plan ahead in order to find time to be a part of those projects.

How has art added value to your University of Michigan experience?

Ann Arbor is a city full of creativity and art avenues. Creating art at the University of Michigan has allowed me to become more connected with the art community and has allowed me to progress here. Art is so much a part of my life that, stifling or halting my creative energies would make me feel like I am no longer really living. I feel that the opportunities and the artistic environment of Ann Arbor and U-M have encouraged my creative process. Creating art benefits my U-M experience as my U-M experience benefits my art.

What ways can others get involved with your craft? Are there any classes or "underground" activities that you would recommend?

The School of Art & Design offers introductory art courses to any student, but I recommend trying to get into the upper-level art courses, which focus more on refining your own concepts and your own style, whereas the introductory courses focus on general technique. For those who enjoy viewing art or being immersed in art culture, I recommend the excellent Culture Bus trips, in addition to art workshops. More than anything just create art. Everyone is creative and anything creative can qualify as art. A sketchbook is a great way to open up your mind and record your creativity.

Describe the discipline and commitment it takes to do your art form.

Often, people will have an idea but not carry it out. This is almost the same as having no idea at all. It takes a long time and careful planning to complete a work of art. Artists also have to expect criticism and be open enough to it to sort helpful criticism from that which you can ignore. One may call a dot on a canvas a finished work, but is it really finished? Did the artist complete her vision, or does she just not know how to complete it? This is something I often deal with when creating art - when a piece is incomplete or when it has been overworked.

Where do you want to go with this art form?

I would love to use art as a way to make a living. I think it is the same with any creative profession. It not only takes dedication and involvement, but you and/or your artwork have to be popular enough to generate enough income. I am interested in working with almost all media, and I have a wide variety of styles, so hopefully I can use those to open a gallery-style store, in which I can sell fine art, functional sculptures, sculptural toys, clothing, and other things that would appeal to all ages. While I work toward opening that store, I could illustrate books for a publishing company or work as a freelance artist.

What do you get from practicing your art form, a sense of accomplishment or escape?

Art gives me a sense of accomplishment, but there is more to art-making than that - art provides me with a feeling of living fully, as if life is about creation and creating. I hope to make a lasting impact through creating art.

What are your favorite art classes, and why?

I immensely enjoyed Ceramics, Fibers, and Narrative Art. In those classes, projects were more open-ended so I was given the opportunity to put a lot of myself into the projects rather than following specific guidelines.

How do you feel Art & Design Majors impact the environment of the University?

We beautify the city, open people's minds to their creative potential and the benefits of art, develop systems to make tasks easier and more enjoyable, use art as a means of therapy to help others, provoke thought and inspiration among viewers, and probably a lot more that I don't know about yet.