Mission
Using art as a modality for healing, while also sharing a love for art creation and artistry.
Based in Central Oregon, Michelle works as an art and writing tutoring, an author under the pen name Chelle Cypress and an artisan creating unique pieces using discarded items, all while finding beauty in the broken.
Past Projects
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May 2026
Grief & The Shape of Hope – Art Exhibit
Art Feature
Featured Piece
Womanhood
This piece speaks to the layers of womanhood, especially the blossoming from girlhood to womanhood. The richer colors, roses, and the women in the center piece highlight the deepening of emotions, situations, and life when transitioning from childhood to womanhood
Latest Notes
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Welcome to the newest extension of my artistic journey, mosaic art. After spending the past five years as a writer,… Read more.
1–2 minutes
Additional Creations
Calm
Created in Spring 2026
This piece incorporated fragments from numerous shattered plates, creating a sense of calm akin to the ocean. The blue glitter grout within solidifies the overall vibe.
Broken Dreams
Created in Fall 2025
This piece uses broken anniversary plates to reflect the uncertainty of hopes and dreams that were once determined but became unlikely.
Grief
Created in Winter 2026
Included in the Grief & the Shape of Hope Art Exhibit this piece was made from numerous plates, there is a sense of disjointedness in the pieces as grief shatters and somehow forces one to pull themselves back together.
Nervous System
Created in Fall of 2025
This piece uses the gold edge fragments from a China pattern to create a connectiveness throughout the piece to mirror a nervous system coping with healing.
Bog Witch
Created in Summer 2026
This piece used numerous cottage themed plates to create this eerie bog feelings, like walking upon moss.
Freedom
Created in Summer 2026
This piece features plates that had birds, trees and flowers, and within the center lays a singular bird. A sense of freedom amongst the branches.
F.A.Q.
Are the pieces for sale?
No. Currently pieces are not for sale however I am happy to share the pieces with galleries, exhibits or other places looking for unique art pieces to display in temporary shows.
Do you teach classes on how to make these types of pieces?
I’m currently in the process of expanding into the Central Oregon area where I can teach classes to guide students through creating their own unique mosaic pieces.
Why did you choose to use old plates, and art frames to make my pieces?
Over the past year I’ve been immersed in intense EMDR therapy to heal my CPTSD and anxiety. An internal shattering is typically a piece of chronical PTSD, and shattering items that were thrown out from their homes, shattering them and repurposing them into art created a cathartic experience. After having one of my pieces within an art exhibit I decided to expand sharing my process to others, hoping to help them in their healing journey as well.
What experience do you have to share your art and teach classes?
I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner and a creative. From creating these mosaics, to self-publishing books under my pen name Chelle Cypress, I’ve often found myself drawn to the process of creation. In addition, I have a bachelor’s in human development from Oregon State University and have always had a deep fascination with the human experience. I believe that art and creation are important parts to that experience that often go dormant due to the everyday hustle and bustle of life. I look forward to creating more art, books, and possibly helping others tap into that sleeping well of inner creativity.
Michelle Elena Mosaics 