Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Sakhai.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve never seen being an artist as a choice—it’s always been who I am. From an early age, creativity wasn’t just an interest but a calling, something I instinctively knew I was meant to pursue. My deep connection to Japanese culture, influenced by spending summers there and attending school, shaped my artistic voice, particularly my appreciation for traditional Japanese art forms like Ukiyo-e. This influence became a foundation for my own exploration of light, texture, and movement in painting.
Over time, I gravitated toward working with gold and silver leaf, drawn to the way it interacts with light and transforms a piece depending on the viewer’s perspective. I became a pioneer in incorporating this medium into my oil paintings, which ultimately defined my signature style. My journey has been about refinement and evolution rather than reinvention—I’ve always known I was meant to create, and every step along the way has been a deepening of that purpose.
Today, my work is represented in galleries and museums, and I continue to explore new ways to push my medium while sharing my knowledge through teaching and workshops. Whether in the studio or in a classroom, my goal remains the same: to create work that evokes emotion and connection, much like the art that first inspired me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No creative journey is completely smooth, and being an artist comes with its own unique set of challenges. But for me, the road has always been clear—I never questioned whether I was meant to be an artist. That certainty has been a gift, even when the external realities of this path required resilience.
One of the biggest challenges has been the balance between the creative and the practical. As an artist, my focus is on the work itself—pushing my medium, exploring new ideas, and staying true to my vision. But the art world also demands that you navigate the business side: building relationships with galleries, promoting your work, and sustaining a career. Finding that equilibrium took time, but ultimately, I learned that staying authentic to my process is what leads to success.
Another challenge has been working with materials that require precision and patience. Gold and silver leaf are delicate, and integrating them into oil painting in a way that feels seamless took years of refinement. But I’ve always embraced the technical aspects of my craft as part of the creative process rather than an obstacle.
While the road hasn’t always been easy, I’ve never felt lost. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist and painter specializing in gold and silver leaf oil paintings. My work explores light, movement, and transformation, drawing inspiration from my deep connection to Japanese art and aesthetics. I blend traditional techniques with contemporary expression, creating pieces that shift and evolve depending on the viewer’s perspective and the way light interacts with the surface.
What sets me apart is my pioneering approach to integrating gold and silver leaf into oil painting as more than just an accent—it’s an essential part of the composition. I’ve spent years refining my technique to create seamless, layered works where the metallic elements don’t just decorate the piece but become part of its essence. This allows my paintings to take on a life of their own, shifting dynamically as one moves around them.
Beyond my work in the studio, I also teach and share my process through workshops, guiding others in exploring their creativity. My goal is always to evoke a sense of harmony and reflection in my work, creating pieces that feel both timeless and alive.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are from the summers I spent in Japan, visiting my grandparents and attending school with my cousins. They lived near the beach, so we spent most of our time sailing and swimming. The Black Sea, surrounded by vast mountains, left a lasting impression on me. Being with my family and experiencing the culture firsthand gave me a deep sense of belonging—Japan wasn’t just a place I visited; it became a part of me.
What I loved most was how beauty and tranquility were woven into everyday life. I remember playing in playgrounds next to temples and peaceful gardens, the scent of sandalwood incense in the air. From there, I could often see the ocean, adding to the sense of serenity. Those moments shaped my appreciation for harmony, nature, and aesthetics—elements that continue to inspire my work as an artist today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellesakhai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesakhaiart/?hl=en
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