Meet Michael Velliquette | Artist and Paper Sculptor

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

Hi Michael, what makes you happy? Why?
I believe happiness is feeling we generate internally, and that can arise in all sorts of situations. I could be having a tough day or be in a yucky state of mind and in the midst of it all find some sense of lightness or perspective on what’s happening that, despite whatever unpleasantness may be happening, brings me a sense of happiness and joy. That said, there are circumstances where I’m inclined to feel innately happy. This usually happens when I’m in my art studio and have the whole day to just make or do whatever I want. The freedom to make my own schedule is a real gift. So, I would say just spending time making my work generates a lot of happiness for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a mixed media artist, mostly known for the elaborate sculptures I make out of paper. My work is entirely hand-made with just knives, scissors, glue and other paper-crafting tools. Most of my techniques are self-taught and I learned to make the things I do simply by trying new things, seeing what works, and what doesn’t, and by just persisting with the process.

I’ve been a working artist for more than 20 years, so I often think that is a success in its own right. Artists generally have to make their own way and be their own advocates. And there are often long stretches of time where you may not be selling your work or may not be having exhibitions where you just have to have believe that what you do is worth doing.

I have been lucky to have some success with my work in the sense of selling and exhibiting. Several of my sculptures are in private collections throughout Texas, including in Houston, and I have work in the collections of the Art Museum of South Texas and the San Antonio Museum of Art. I exhibit my work with the David Shelton Gallery on Montrose.

As far as what I’d like people to experience in my work, I’d like them to feel a sense of wonder and inspiration. I like to give folks a “big” visual experience—to have something impressive to see in terms of shapes, details, color, texture, and overall sense of craftsmanship. I want to convey the same sense of joy that I experience making them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would be mostly about the art! Houston is one of the best art cities in the country and has some of my favorite museums in the world including— The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Contemporary Arts Museum, The Menil Collection, The Moody Center for the Arts on Rice University Campus and the Blaffer Art Museum on the U of H campus.

Also, a strange little jewel of a museum a lot of folks probably don’t know about is the National Museum of Funeral History. It’s really quite something!

If we were looking to pick up some art supplies, we’d stop at Texas Art Supply on Montrose. I have never been to a better art supply store anywhere and the folks there are super friendly!

There are so many phenomenal eating options in Houston. Hands down one of my favorites is the thali lunch at Maharaja Bhog.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This past summer of 2021 I had the opportunity to be a resident artist at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft—a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to advancing education about the process, product and history of craft. They are one of the Houston’s jewels, and some of the nicest people. They have provided a platform for over 20 years for artists to make and exhibit their work, while at the same time offering a first-hand opportunity for the public to engage with them

Website: http://www.velliquette.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelvelliquettepaper

Image Credits
the David Shelton Gallery, Houston, TX.