Thank you for visiting my corner of the internet. My name is Michel Keck. My friends and loved ones call me Shelly, but Michel is my legal name—and the one I've been painting under since 2003. I was born in South Dakota, though I spent much of my childhood and adult life in various parts of Indiana. I am a self-taught, outsider artist, and I believe my work reflects my free-spirited nature. I feel at home working across a wide variety of mediums—painting, collage, drawing, and found object/assemblage art. My creations are inspired by nature, scripture, and personal life experiences, each piece carrying a raw, childlike quality that resonates with both new and seasoned collectors alike. My art is an expression of my soul. I truly believe that the way I express myself through my artwork is a gift from God, one that He has graciously bestowed upon me. It is a blessing, and I am deeply humbled to share it with the world.
The fact that I was able to reach an admiring international audience who received my creations so well and earn my living through His gift for over two decades is a true blessing and a testament to the power of His grace. To know that my work has resonated with people across the globe, allowing me to make a living and connect with others through my art, is a constant reminder of the incredible gift He has entrusted to me.
One of the most humbling aspects of my artistic journey is the global recognition my work has received. Collectors in over 40 countries have embraced my artistic creations, turning them into coveted treasures in their own personal and corporate art collections that span continents. Among my collectors are celebrities, sports stars, presidential candidates, and a discerning billionaire art collector who proudly showcases my pieces in his personal collections.
Beyond the confines of traditional gallery spaces, my art has found its way into the public eye through television, motion pictures, department stores, restaurants, movie theatres, law offices, hospitals/doctor's offices, veterinarian offices, dog spas, and hundreds of art collector's homes all around the world. It's a testament to the universal language of my art and the ability to connect with a diverse group of people across so many different platforms.
As a creator who has worked tirelessly since 2003 to protect my legal copyrights and since 2017 to legally protect my trademark, I’ve also dedicated myself to helping other artists facing similar challenges with copyright and trademark infringement. It’s heartbreaking to see a legal system that doesn’t offer independent creators the same protection afforded to celebrities and multi-billion dollar corporations.
I have watched my artistic livelihood be decimated by the pervasive and relentless theft of my intellectual property. The life of an independent artist is not just about creating art—it’s about the painstaking work of professionally photographing, cataloging, marketing, and promoting that art. Every day, I wear all the hats, fighting not only to create but to ensure that my creations are protected. But when success comes, so do the thieves—those who use my trademark to mislead customers, steal my images to produce counterfeit copies, and profit from my work, often without my knowledge. These stolen images show up in Chinese sweatshops and big-box stores, while I never see a cent of the profits. This leaves me no time to create, no space to be the artist I once was. Instead, I am forced to split my time between defending my rights and trying to make a living.
I tried, at first, to ignore the theft, to hope it would resolve itself, but the damage continued to mount. Sales plummeted, as my art was being sold at prices I could never afford to even produce at. The legal system is rigged against the independent creator. When you invest in registering your copyrights and trademarks, you quickly realize that the legal system, especially in federal courts, does not care about you. If you do not have the power of major law firms behind you, you are seen as nothing more than a nuisance—a waste of the court's time. If you try to settle out of court, large corporations force you into a legal battle, knowing they can crush you. This is the grim reality for far too many independent creators who wish to defend their intellectual property. The system sees us as unworthy, as if the very essence of our work holds no true value. But we are creators, not commodities. We work tirelessly, we sacrifice, and we deserve equal legal protection under the law—just as much as any large corporation. Yet, time and time again, the reality is far from just.
Artists from around the world have reached out to me, sharing their own legal battles because they have watched my relentless fight for intellectual property rights. Sadly, I have witnessed far too many lose their artistic livelihoods due to the inadequate protection for independent creators. Many have sought me out, looking to me for guidance on how to combat copyright infringement, and I am deeply honored by their trust. I will continue to fight, not only for the preservation of my own business but for the rights and protection of other independent creators. I am determined to make a difference and push for the changes we so desperately need in this system.
Always remember, when you purchase artwork through any channel other than directly from the artist, the likelihood is high that the artist may not be receiving any compensation for your purchase. In an era where the internet makes it easier than ever to connect with creators, take the time to research the artist behind the work. A simple one-minute search of their name can reveal their presence online, allowing you to make a more informed decision. Whenever possible, seek out the artist’s signature, learn who they are, and engage with them directly. Request to purchase from the artist themselves—this ensures that the creator receives the rightful compensation for their talent and hard work.
There are countless websites thriving off the labor of independent artists, generating wealth while leaving the creators with little to nothing. How and where you choose to purchase artwork matters deeply. While the allure of a 'good deal' is tempting, it’s important to consider the broader impact of your purchase. Ask yourself: is your transaction supporting the thriving of a small business, or is it contributing to the destruction of an artist’s livelihood? Every purchase holds power. Make it count.
Thank you for being a part of my artistic adventure!
