Paintings Inspired by the Beautiful Flame Trees on Guam

I was recently inspired by the season of flame trees in full bloom here on Guam. Truly a sight to see, these vibrant red and orange flowers will demand your attention and invite your appreciation for such beauty. As I drove by a particularly amazing flame tree in Hagatna, I knew that it would be …

Making of Sirena: Mascot Sculpture for 2016 Electric Island Festival (EIF)

The 2016 Electric Island Festival commissioned me to create their event mascot sculpture, a mermaid, or “Sirena.” I recruited Addison Moyer to help me build an industrial style sculpture, consisting of mostly rebar and chicken wire.       

Handful of Smoke: Book Launch & Creative Showcase

Holly Rustick just released her book Handful of Smoke this summer, and I did live art at her launch party. Amanda Young and Myracly Mugol painted live alongside, while other local artists such as Amber Word, Robert Camacho and Claudia Clement displayed works for sale and for auction. Other features were a game of blackjack, …

FestPac is Here! Historical Moment for Guam & all Pacific Island Nations

Once every four years since 1972, a Festival of Pacific Arts (FestPac) is held in one of the 27 Pacific Island nations and territories, to celebrate culture and arts. It is a 2-week event intended to unify the Pacific region by sharing traditions. Thousands of visiting delegates and families, will head to Guam’s capital village …

A Starfish Commission Painting in the Making!

Commission complete! A starfish was requested, now it’s time to sign, seal and deliver. This was a really fun piece. I got to play with my new palette knives to create that blended impasto look for the background. Metallic blue and gold were also used in this painting. 30″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas.

Blouin ArtInfo Feature: From Welfare to Thriving Artist: Guam’s Michelle Pier on Becoming “Creative Indeed”

GUAM art on BLOUIN ARTINFO, whaat?! Huge thank you to Robert Michael Poole from Blouin Artinfo, top international art magazine, for writing up this article, and giving the world some awareness about Guam and my personal story of going from struggling to thriving artist! I’m so honored to be able to share, and to keep …

Handful of Smoke Book Pre-Launch and Live Art

Holly Rustick is releasing her book Handful of Smoke this summer, and last night was the pre-launch mixer at Pika’s Cafe, where I did live art. It was cool to feel a book come to life with people acting out some of the scenes during the readings, and live art interpretations done by myself and …

Adventures at the first annual Valley of the Latte Festival

The weekend was filled with adventure and beauty at the 1st annual Valley of the Latte Festival in my home village, Talofofo. I was one of the artists exhibiting, and while I have let go of doing most events, this one pulled me in with the natural beauty of the land.The 2-day event is held along …

Moonlit Jungle Clearing Painting from Start to Finish

The Guam Valley of the Latte Adventure Park just held its first annual festival along the Talofofo River, where there is also an ancient latte stone village site. I was one of the artists exhibiting, and this is a moonlit jungle clearing painting that I did for the event. Here are photos of the process …

Divine Wave Painting from Start to Finish

Waves are one of my favorite, and most challenging subject to paint. I’ve always been in love with the ocean, and am endlessly amazed by the power and beauty of ocean waves. This Divine Wave is acrylic on stretched canvas, 24″x30″ and is exhibited at MoSa’s Joint in Hagatna, available for purchase. Here are photos …

Adventures of March Memories in Photos

What a month! It isn’t even quite over yet. March continues to march to the beat of its own drum, urging us all to do the same. So many surprises, travel, simple adventures in nature, risks and rewards, hard work, reflection, captures of beauty, letting go, spring break at the pool, the beach & the …

Maga’lahi Rooster Commission Painting

Maga’lahi is a commissioned rooster painting, of a Kelso breed that holds special meaning to its owner. On Guam, breeding roosters is a long-held hobby and connoisseurship alike. While some engage in the culture of cockfighting, this owner loves roosters for the art of breeding and the memories of growing up with loved ones who …

Ray of Sunshine Commission Painting for Mom and Daughter

A fun and challenging commission painting, “Ray of Sunshine” is an acrylic painting on 11″x14″ stretched canvas recently finished. Based on a photo of a mother’s daughter, this piece is a special one, capturing the essence of her little girl reading, in the sanctuary of golden light streaming in through a bedroom window. I actually …

Intuitive “Alive” Commission Painting Start to Finish

The latest painting finished and out the studio is a commissioned intuitive piece titled “Alive,” is a piece inspired by the idea that each of us holds a light within. It is an acrylic painting on 12″x16″ stretched canvas. We are all connected in many ways, sharing the air we breathe, the ground we walk on, …

Last Creative Session Painting Party for Awhile!

Had a lovely painting session with these fun (and talented!) ladies yet again. Always a great time with this group, and it feels bittersweet to announce that I will no longer be holding Creative Sessions until further notice. All events are temporarily being put on hold this year, as I direct my focus toward expanding …