Mishel Schwartz

As a young girl, Toronto-based Alcohol ink artist Mishel Schwartz used to hide on the stairs that led to her artist-parents’ studio and watch them paint live models. This innocent voyeurism was the catalyst for a lifelong passion for the arts.

The journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in college, followed by a degree in Art History from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Mishel concluded her studies with a degree in Graphic Design from York University in Toronto.

After almost 20 years as Creative Director for a Canadian home furnishings company, Mishel took a leap of faith and plunged into the pursuit of a career as a working artist. She is emerging as a force on the Toronto art-scene, gaining recognition locally and branching out with international shows as well.

Her primary medium is alcohol ink—a medium she discovered by exploring the art scene on social media. Intrigued, she began experimenting with the inks and slowly developed a technique wherein layers of colour are added and intricate details are then carved out of the layers, giving her work great depth and mystery.

These days, Mishel spends most of her time in her studio, working on various collections as well as private commissions and collaborations with branding companies.