Summary - What began as a hobby has evolved into a passionate commitment to highlighting the hidden beauty and potential within overlooked objects. As a former journalist, I approach each piece as a narrative, inviting viewers to explore the stories behind what is often dismissed as trash. My work has garnered recognition, including an Influencer Award in Hong Kong in 2021, and has been featured on the covers of two prominent magazines. My designs grace the interiors of various high-end restaurants and local bars across Hong Kong.
Education - B.A. and M.A. in Political Science, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Experience Expatriate Artist & Creator
2015 – Present - Transitioned from crafting as a hobby to a dedicated artistic practice, founding "Upcycled By Michal" in Shanghai and continuing in Hong Kong, focusing on upcycled art and sustainable design.
Freelance Journalist -Israel 2006 – 2015 - Conducted research for documentary films and television for various international media outlets. Led the video department of a major Israeli newspaper, overseeing all stages of production, including research, scriptwriting, field production, editing, and broadcasting.
Parliamentary aide and spokesperson -Minister of Justice, Israel (Member of Parliament Joseph (Tommy) Lapid RIP Jerusalem, Israel 2003 – 2006
My art is about giving objects a chance to live again. Started as a hobby and continued as my main focus, My work transforms the discarded into something meaningful, blending my belief that what is often seen as trash can be revived and cherished. As a journalist turned artist, I approach each piece as a story, exploring the hidden beauty and potential within objects that are often overlooked.
Working with glass, wood, furniture and other found materials, I strive to add value to what would otherwise be discarded. My process involves reusing, repurposing and reviving items, giving them a new life through carefully crafted, eco-friendly artworks. Texture and imperfection are central to my work; I believe that every object carries a unique history that can be experienced through its tactile qualities. Each creation is a testament to the idea that perfection is not the ideal-imperfection offers greater beauty and meaning.
At the heart of my work is a desire to remove items from the global waste stream while fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. I want to inspire others to see value where they would not expect it — to embrace the scars of a previous life that make something unique and beautiful in its own right. Just as plants find new life and flourish in bottles I have reconfigured and reconceived, within all my work is the possibility of growth and renewal. My art is where craft and art, aesthetic and utilitarian, coalesce so that my viewers can rethink their relationship with everyday objects, inspiring them to see value where others might see waste and to engage more thoughtfully with sustainable living practices.
