Michelle Schwarzbach
Michelle Schwarzbach, known as Mishka Art, is a Berlin-based artist specializing in abstract and expressionist painting. Her work explores the intensity of human emotion through vivid colors, dynamic forms, and layered textures, combining oil, acrylics, charcoal, and mixed media. Transitioning from drawing to oil painting five years ago, she has exhibited in Berlin galleries and offers textile painting workshops from her Friedenau studio. Mishka’s art invites viewers to experience fleeting emotions and moments, forging connections beyond the visual. Her pieces are featured on platforms such as Saatchi Art and ArtStation, and she continues to expand her international presence.
Acrylic on canvas
Acrylic on canvas
For Michelle Schwarzbach, the journey of becoming an artist began not with ambition, but with a feeling—a sense of calm and meditation that comes from creating. “To be honest, it started with the feeling I get when I’m making art. It’s really calming, almost meditative for me,” she reflects. Initially, she never considered art as a career. It was only after her first exhibitions, when she experienced the profound connection of sharing her work without words, that she realized her calling. That moment ignited her commitment to pursue her art seriously. Like many artists, Michelle has faced her share of challenges. Creative blocks, the pressure of social media, and the constant comparisons that platforms like Instagram invite once threatened to stifle her practice. “Sometimes I felt overwhelmed… I had months where I needed to step back and take time just to create again without pressure,” she explains. Nature, travel, and intentional breaks from the digital world became her sanctuary, allowing her to return to her art renewed and inspired.
Among her proudest moments, Michelle recalls an unforgettable experience performing live at a musician’s gig. Painting on stage in front of an audience, she merged music and visual art into a single, shared experience. “It was such a special experience to combine my art with music and share it with so many people in the moment,” she says.
Over the years, Michelle’s artistic style has evolved from chaotic experimentation to a defined, personal visual language. Rooted in abstraction, her work is now intentionally guided by color palettes and forms that resonate deeply with her. Yet, evolution hasn’t come without setbacks. She recalls a painful incident with a gallery that blocked her and withheld two of her artworks—a reminder to research carefully and trust one’s instincts when sharing work professionally. These experiences have shaped Michelle’s perspective and philosophy. “Never compare your art to others, and don’t let outside opinions influence your passion,” she advises. “Most of all, do what you love, be your own biggest supporter, and don’t wait for others to clap—clap for yourself.”
Staying true to her vision, she emphasizes, outweighs chasing trends or audience expectations. Authenticity, she believes, creates a lasting connection between artist and viewer.
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Inspiration for Michelle comes from masters like Joseph Lorusso and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Their ability to capture raw emotion, intimacy, and human connection has guided her own exploration of these themes in her work.
For emerging artists, Michelle offers simple yet powerful advice: “Just keep going. Keep applying, experimenting, and finding your own path. Believe in yourself, and most importantly, listen to your inner voice—it will guide you even when self-doubt creeps in.”
Success, for Michelle, is measured not by fame or fortune, but by the quiet, profound impact her art can have on others. “I define success as being able to bring life to your art and inspire others, helping people see things differently or feel the unspoken and unknown,” she explains. Through her own creative journey and the workshops she leads, she has witnessed art’s ability to reconnect people with themselves in ways they may not even realize—an evolution in understanding that continues to shape her vision today.
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Michelle Schwarzbach’s journey reminds us that art is both personal and universal: a meditation, a dialogue, a spark that connects hearts beyond words. Her story encourages all artists to trust in themselves, to embrace challenges as lessons, and to create boldly with authenticity at the heart of their work.