Michele Struss
His Paintbrush

About Michele Born with a form of dwarfism, Michele grew up with a daily struggle of physical pain and endured multiple surgeries. Amid her physical tribulations, Michele pursued art. Since childhood she was infused with a sense of creativity. This developed into a love for the arts, which led her to pursue a degree in graphic design at Messiah College. Though she thoroughly enjoyed her education, when she finished she longed to leave the computer screen behind and return to the primary tools of paper and brush. She turned to watercolors, her choice medium in youth, and began applying what she had learned in college to her paintings. In Michele’s late twenties she found herself unsatisfied with her work because it lacked significance. She became restless and fervently asked the Lord to ignite her with a passion and to use her talents in a meaningful way. Her answer came in the form of a quote by artist Ron DiCianni, “What makes you weep when you are on your knees before God? That is what you are supposed to address in your work!” As the words penetrated her spirit a vision began to form -- to paint underprivileged children, revealing their hidden beauty and strength. Though she felt inspired like never before, fear gripped her. Hitherto, she avoided painting people because of the unforgiving nature of her chosen medium, watercolor, coupled with her realist painting style. The combination bordered impossible. In retrospect she recalls, “Through an intense journey of obedience and trust, not only has the Lord enabled me to fulfill his call, but He has traded my dread for passion.”

Michele’s Paintings Prints of Michele’s paintings will be available for purchase on this site later this year. Due to her physical limitations, Michele cannot travel to India. However, through her unique gifts she is still able to contribute. Soon she will begin work on a painting of an Indian child. Proceeds from the prints of this painting (in addition to all others sold on this site) will benefit the children of India.

Links

Michele's Website