Michelle Hickey

How did growing up in Maple Ridge and later moving to Toronto influence your artistic vision and the way you observe nature?

Growing up in Maple Ridge inspired and influenced my artistic vision. It is a place full of green spaces. In my neighbour’s backyard, there was a maple tree that hung over the fence into my yard, and I would often look out at it from the kitchen table. I also spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s house—she had a big, beautiful garden with two willow trees. Summers were filled with camping, enjoying the woods, and swimming.

This year, in Toronto, my appreciation for nature has deepened. I now see nature as a teacher—it has even given me answers at times. It is good for the soul.

Michelle Hickey | A Beautiful Shift | 2025

Have you always felt a strong connection with nature, or was there a specific moment that deepened this appreciation?

Yes, my love for nature goes way back. As I grow older, I have a new awareness and deeper appreciation for it.

I find nature breathtakingly beautiful—it feels like a dream. I am grateful for its marvels, peace, honesty, love, and guidance. Nature brings something alive within me, which translates into creativity. My art is infused with and inspired by nature.

I feel like nature connects us to something much bigger. It has brought me closer to my late grandmother Martha Hickey, my late grandfather Gabriel Solomon Hickey, and my late aunt, Radha Curpen. My grandmother created sculptors, and my grandfather was an upholster—knowing that they also had art in their lives is an inspiration to me.

Michelle Hickey | A New Beginning | 2025

Your current visuals reflect life changes and new perspectives. Could you share one of those key life changes that shaped this series?

One of the key life changes is symbolized by the butterfly. I have gone through changes in my career, relationships, health, and within myself. I now feel that I am moving towards a life that feels beautiful and that is what I wish for others. My  journey has particularly sparked the idea to explore how to create safe spaces for women of color—spaces where they can explore art and wellness, discover themselves, and learn to love themselves exactly as they are.

There is a quote that describes my journey beautifully:

“Everything that you want to be, you already are. You’re simply on the path to discovering it.”

Photography and painting have become ways for me to express myself, and sharing my work is something new—and inspiring.

A favorite quote that comes to mind:

“Life is a gift.”

To cherish life and live to our fullest potential. I believe nature illustrates how remarkable that gift is—every moment, whether marvellous, ugly, fascinating, or unknown, is all part of it. Capturing photos allows me to freeze some of these fleeting, gorgeous moments. I will continue to learn and share with others and see the world through an artistic lens that is full of possibilities!

Michelle Hickey | Hearts That Dance Together | 2025

How do you choose which scenes or subjects to photograph? Is it instinctive or carefully planned?

I choose scenes and subjects instinctively. My intuition and heart lead the way when I take photos. Usually, I see something and have a vision—and that’s it. When I capture a photo, I also see a story behind it.

What role do color, light, and composition play in conveying the feelings of transition and beauty you describe?

I enjoy experimenting with light, especially sunlight through the trees. It accentuates the most radiant parts of nature. I also love black-and-white photography—the vintage look and feel speaks to me.

Michelle Hickey | Palettes Of Life | 2025

How do you balance spontaneity with technical aspects like framing and editing?

Spontaneity is a big part of my process. I am often on my toes when I take photos. I edit my photos directly on my iPhone.

Michelle Hickey | Take Your Time | 2025

Who or what inspires you most at the moment?

I am inspired to capture the beauty of nature and the stories it holds. We only have this moment, and I use photography to honor that—to capture those moments and the beauty in the world around us.

My paintings feel like a visual journal. I like to think of them as “Palettes of Life”. I also journal regularly, and painting is another way I express myself. The magic of painting is that it comes intuitively and organically with no schedule. It happens when I feel something or when an idea pops up. It is like my inward world comes alive through art. As I go through my day, I see art everywhere. Art is healing—it gets me. Art flows, it comes and goes,  like the ebb and flow of life. Lastly, I see art as freedom.