Hello Kind Visitor!

My name is Madeline LaVelle, and I am an artist. My journey began many years ago when I chose to pursue my BFA in Visual Communications, despite never having previously taken an art nor design class. During a time that can only be summarized as tempestuous and really hecking tough, an opportunity for a creative outlet presented itself as a much needed balm. 

But what started from need quickly became joy. As a shy woman with a vast internal world, the ability to share this hidden part of myself was transformative. Artmaking was expressive, and challenging, and vulnerable, and exciting! It was all the best things that made me realize to the depths of my arthritic bones that it was what I was meant to do. 

And then, it was over. Graduation came, and I quit. For almost a decade, I became trapped in a deep paralysis unable to produce much of anything I could call art. There were creative pursuits that did provide sparks of excitement, but the fear of judgement and the immense self-doubt kept those moments to a lean few. 

It was March 2024 that broke the near decade long fast. A combined leap-year and my 31st on this Earth, paired with a time-capsule discovered among the mementos of my childhood (“When I am 31, I will be an artist!” my six-year-old self had written in earnest), served as signs that it was time to start again. 

And so, on February 29th, 2024, I leapt away from my previous career and self-doubt, and on March 1st, I officially began my new life at 31 years-old as an artist. Quite possibly the best birthday present ever. 

Today, I am in my studio at my drawing table. Punched paper circles, a roll of mesh ribbon, jars of acrylic ink, and a rainbow of gel pens are at the ready. There’s a square of paper taped down, anticipating the collage of materials and text that will soon adorn its surface. I am happy and excited to create something new. Or a little disgruntled. Or a touch emotional. But whatever is leading the inspiration of the day, my name is Madeline LaVelle, and I am finally an artist.