Michelle Sakhai: Transforming Canvas into a Space of Light, Energy and Healing Michelle Sakhai is an internationally recognized contemporary artist celebrated for her unique gold and silver leaf oil paintings. Born in New York, Sakhai’s art has been deeply influenced by her Persian and Japanese heritage, bringing a fusion of cultures to her creative process. Sakhai’s family trips to Japan exposed her to the art of metal leaf, sparking her interest in this medium that she now pioneers in the art world. Her work is exhibited in prominent galleries and universities around the globe, and her pieces are included in private and public collections, including the Montefiore Einstein Medical Center, The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, and Kamakura Park in Japan. With studios in New York City and Delray Beach, Florida, Sakhai has successfully bridged two worlds, enriching her artistic journey with the diverse influences of these contrasting environments. Sakhai’s background in Art History and Fine Arts from Hofstra University, along with her MFA from the Academy of Art University, laid the foundation for her evolution as an artist. As a teacher of art at the University of California, Berkeley, and an advisory board member for Hofstra’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sakhai is not only a creator but also a mentor in the art community. Her recent book, *Awakening*, showcases over 200 of her paintings, providing a glimpse into her creative process and philosophy. An Artistic Process Grounded in Transformative Art Sakhai’s work is deeply connected to the teachings of Transformative Art, focusing on light, energy and spirituality. Each piece she creates is a form of emotional expression and healing. “My process feels unbounded, limitless,” she explains. “I have discovered that in this place I am working at a soul level. There is no duality.” This sense of freedom has led her to explore abstract expressionism, a shift from her earlier plein air painting style. Her current approach involves spontaneous strokes that channel energy onto the canvas, with each brushstroke representing a unique moment of connection and transformation. Using metal leaf and oil on canvas, Sakhai’s work is both spiritually expansive and visually mesmerizing. “Energy flows onto the canvas, emotion takes a unique form,” she shares. This process creates a space where viewers can engage with their inner consciousness, drawn to the light and depth in her pieces. Sakhai’s aim is for her work to dissolve the boundaries that separate individuals, inviting a shared experience of peace and healing. “By exposing my most vulnerable self in each creation, my intention is to dissolve any imaginary boundaries separating us all,” she adds, reflecting the deeply personal and universal qualities inherent to her art. Inspiration and Growth in 2024 In 2024, Sakhai finds inspiration in her new surroundings in Delray Beach, Florida. This location is a marked contrast to her base in New York City, offering her a fresh perspective on nature and art. “It’s been such a change from the hustle and bustle of New York,” she notes. “It’s been liberating to work outdoors, having my own garden and expanding on my floral series.” Surrounded by lush colors and tropical plant life, Sakhai draws inspiration from local nurseries and garden centers, feeding fresh ideas into her work. Her recent move has also allowed her to connect more deeply with her creative process. Over the years, Sakhai has refined her ability to access her inner voice quickly, making her process more intuitive. “It used to be challenging to get going with my pieces, but through years of practice, I find it easier to connect within myself and my creativity,” she says. This comfort with her artistic intuition has opened her up to taking risks and pushing boundaries in her work. Now, she embraces a quicker flow state, letting her instincts guide the paint in spontaneous and transformative ways. Exploring New Colors, Themes and Authenticity Sakhai’s journey as an artist has been one of continual self-discovery. After years of practice, she has honed a style that feels authentically hers, evolving into abstract expressionism with an emphasis on transformation. “I’m content with where my art has taken me so far, and I’m excited to see what changes emerge as my style continues to develop organically,” she shares. In her recent work, she is embracing more color and boldness, adding layers and textures that reflect her growth and experimentation. This year, Sakhai has found herself increasingly drawn to expansive compositions, allowing for more open space and vibrancy within her paintings. While she once favored a more minimalistic color palette, her work now incorporates dynamic colors and energy. Her art speaks to who she is today, celebrating her evolution and the new influences that her surroundings and personal journey bring to her creative process. Finding Inspiration in Nature and a Balanced Life Now based in Delray Beach, Sakhai finds herself surrounded by the beauty of nature, which deeply influences her floral series. “It’s been a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by such colors and plant life,” she explains. This immersion in nature offers her a sense of peace and connection, fueling her artistic exploration. Living in a place where she can experience the tranquility of her garden while still being close to the vibrancy of South Florida’s art scene has given her a new balance in life. The Perfect Day: A Return to Pure Creativity For Sakhai, a perfect day is one spent entirely in the studio, completely immersed in her art without distractions. “I imagined my days would be all about creativity, but I quickly learned that being an artist also means being a business owner,” she admits. The demands of exhibitions, logistics, marketing, and networking often pull her away from painting. However, on her ideal day, she sets aside all of these responsibilities to focus solely on creating, reconnecting with the passion that led her success in the first place. Conclusion: An Artist Rooted in Cultural Heritage and Spirituality Michelle Sakhai’s art is a powerful blend of cultural heritage, spirituality and transformative energy. With Persian and Japanese influences, she has carved out a unique space in the art world, bringing a deep sense of peace and healing to her audience. Through her use of gold and silver leaf, spontaneous strokes, and a connection to her own soul, Sakhai creates works that invite viewers to find beauty in our shared human experience.