About Michelle – Michelle Atkinson

Bio

Michelle Atkinson is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in themes of environmental sustainability and is based in Calgary, Alberta, where she was born and educated.

For more than 20 years she worked as a graphic designer and gained international acclaim for her work with more than 30 awards. Her work retains the influences of her time in design, as evident in the juxtaposition of structured and organic sensibilities.

She also has extensive knowledge in glass casting where she became known for innovative recycling techniques, and has since evolved her practice to incorporate a wide range of alternative materials. These materials tend to pay homage to the qualities of glass with their reflective and light-transmitting properties.

She is the only entrepreneur to win the Made in Alberta Awards (hosted by Avenue magazine) three times across three distinct categories in consecutive years (2019, 2021, 2022). Recently, she received grants from both the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Canada Council for the Arts for a year-long installation at the Leighton Art Centre. Her first large-scale permanent public art installation debuted as the entrance to the newly designed Wild Canada section at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Additionally, her most recent commission for the Calgary Stampede’s corporate art collection is showcased in the newly renovated BMO Centre.

Michelle’s work has developed over the years from representational through abstraction to a blend of approaches from craft to installation and exhibition. Her practice reflects a deep connection to our world’s landscape and its ecosystems.

Atkinson’s work is represented in galleries across Western Canada.

Statement

Driven by a profound desire to understand, protect, and preserve the natural world, my artistic practice spans a diverse array of mediums, exploring the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental systems. Foundational to my work are elements of data visualization, material experimentation, and a commitment to sustainability, often expressed through the use of light, texture, and innovative recycling techniques. By transforming discarded picture frame glass into glitter-like sand or reshaping liquor bottles into delicate, lifelike flowers, my art challenges perceptions, sparking conversations about the fragile beauty and complex ecosystems we depend on but too often take for granted.

My portfolio ranges from striking sculptures to intricate wall art and immersive themed installations, each piece designed to evoke a sense of place, shared connection, and an almost haunting nostalgia. This layered approach educates audiences on biodiversity and humanity’s role within it, leaving a lasting impression that bridges understanding and action.

In my latest body of work, I employ extreme historical weather data to create protozoic shapes—abstract, organic forms that serve as the building blocks for sculptural cloud-like compositions. These captivating arrangements disguise the disastrous narratives embedded within, using polished, alluring materials to echo the distractions of algorithm-driven media and consumer culture. By encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface, my work provokes deeper reflection and underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges we face.

What I am doing

Wall Sculpture

Striking, large-scale fine art designed to spark conversation and elevate any space.

The Minis

Collectible small-scale sculptures that let you build your own evolving story.

Fine Art Prints

A fusion of digital and silk-screen printing, offering an accessible way to own unique art.

Public Art

From murals to immersive installations, bringing bold, sustainable narratives to public spaces.

Corporate Gifting

Transforming data into meaningful, artful gifts for employees, donors, and partners.

Brand Partnerships

Innovative collaborations that weave sustainability, history, and community into unforgettable experiences.

Customer's Comments

Everyone who comes into the office stops and stares at the piece and comments on how lovely it is. I’ve had one client try to remove it from the wall! I’ve also caught someone on the outdoor security camera trying to get a photo of it through the window at night. They tried to take a selfie with it, so it gets a lot of attention.

We had a family function, and every single person loved your piece and was in awe of it. From the 9-year-old up and every demographic. My son, who is more of a traditional landscape lover, was gobsmacked. He couldn’t get over how beautiful it was. He and all loved the weather data inspo as well. Your art crosses all boundaries and speaks to all.