Michele Dickson
Peer Specialist ConsultantBiography
Bio
Michele Anne-Marie Dickson (she/her) is a disabled self-taught multi-disciplinary artist. She works in a variety of
media, including pen & ink, acrylic, water colour, pastels, photography, graphite, and mixed-media. Michele
identifies as someone who has lived experience of mental illness, chronic illness, and a history of trauma. Michele’s
art has dignity, and explores themes of abandonment, risk, and failure. Her art embodies being unique and hopeful.
Joy, dissolution, and her search for Divine peacefulness, is in all of her work.
Artists Statement
My artistic journey began with an unexpected detour. A hand injury forced me to develop a new kind of dexterity,
leading me to teach myself the art of drawing with my left hand. This challenge ignited a passion for creating, and
it’s from this place of resilience that my artistic voice emerged.
Surrealism is the language I’ve chosen to express my vision. My work takes viewers on a metaphorical odyssey
through life’s tapestry. The dreamlike quality of my art invites exploration of the joys, the heartbreaks, the triumphs,
and the vulnerabilities that we all encounter.
I don’t shy away from depicting the full spectrum of the human experience. Dignity and failure, exuberant joy and
tender care – these are all threads woven into the fabric of my creations. My imagination is a boundless wellspring, a
source of inspiration that fuels my artistic exploration.
There’s a sense of universality in my surreal imagery. While deeply personal, it transcends my own experiences,
inviting viewers to connect with the emotions and narratives embedded within each piece. My hope is that my art
sparks introspection, prompting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the complexities of life.
Through a left hand that once faced limitations, I’ve discovered a boundless capacity for creation. My art is a
testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt, overcome, and express itself in unexpected ways.
Available for speaking engagements and panels.
OEATA respects and honours the work of our:
- Expressive Arts Practitioners (EAP)
- Expressive Arts Therapists (ExAT)
- Peer Movement Specialists (ExA or ExAT and /or RP)
- Registered Psychotherapist, ExAT’s (RP, ExA or ExAT)
- Affiliates (Training institutes, Supportive Businesses)


