Michelle Celia Ruiz, born and raised in Toronto, is an upcoming Latina-Canadian Visual Artist. She communicates her culture, community, and life experiences through her art. Dedicated to amplifying voices unheard, she aims to create pieces that resonate with the silenced. “In my artistic journey, growth is a constant concept for me. Every brush stroke, every creation, is another step forward. Exploring new techniques and embracing challenges is like unlocking new chapters of self-discovery. It’s not just about my artwork; it’s about evolving as an artist, finding my unique style with every piece that I produce.” The works she created look at the divergent paths that individuals explore, only to arrive at a shared destination. It acknowledges the interconnectedness of lives, emphasizing that in this journey, one is never truly alone.

Reflecting on her project and the opportunity to exhibit her work at a large scale in the TTC, she states that she is “Absolutely delighted to feature my work on this scale! This is the second piece that I have been fortunate enough to exhibit at a TTC station, so I am quite excited. The gratification of seeing my hard work showcased is truly fulfilling for me, as a young artist.” Overcoming the challenges of self-doubt, she reflects that, “Through this project, I realized that embracing doubt fuels growth. Channelling uncertainty into determination, I flipped the script, found my groove and created something I am proud of. I am most excited about seeing my final piece on the wall! Letting my work speak for itself, I am very eager to have the public see it. I am also excited for my family to see my art, as it speaks to our culture, something we don't see much representation of.”

@michys.masterpieces on Instagram