We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michael Hellem. Check out our conversation below.
Michael, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m immersed in the shared rhythm of making art—painting, curating, and mentoring within the gallery environment we’ve built. When I’m working alongside Antonio or engaging with students and emerging artists, time dissolves into something secondary. The conversations, the quiet concentration, the exchange of ideas, and the act of shaping a space where creativity feels encouraged and alive all draw me into a deep state of presence.
I find myself again in the moments of connection that follow—when a student gains confidence, when a viewer lingers with a piece, or when a conversation reveals how art has resonated on a personal level. Those moments ground me. They reaffirm that creativity is not a solitary pursuit, but a shared experience—one rooted in patience, trust, and the quiet power of human connection.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Miami-based artist and curator and a creative partner at Galeria Adelmo, a home-based gallery and working studio I share with my partner, master painter Antonio del Moral. Our space is intentionally intimate—a place where art is created, taught, and experienced through genuine connection rather than commercial formality.
My work focuses on landscapes and floral still life, explored through pointillism, impressionism, and layered techniques that reward patience and close observation. Alongside my practice, I curate and support Antonio’s work and mentor a small group of emerging and student artists as they develop confidence, discipline, and artistic voice.
What distinguishes Galeria Adelmo is its emphasis on process, mentorship, and dialogue. It is a living creative environment where relationships evolve naturally and art is experienced in a personal, thoughtful way. At this stage, my focus is on sustaining that ecosystem—balancing my own creative output with curatorial projects and storytelling that honor both the work and the people behind it.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Looking back, my understanding of work was shaped less by a single moment and more by a series of lived experiences that taught me the value of consistency, responsibility, and showing up fully—even when conditions were uncertain. Early on, I learned that meaningful work requires patience and long-term commitment, not quick results. That mindset stayed with me as my career evolved and as I took on roles that demanded both creative vision and practical stewardship.
The person who has taught me the most about work is my partner, Antonio del Moral. Watching his lifelong dedication to painting—day after day, year after year—has been a masterclass in discipline and integrity. His approach is rooted in quiet persistence, humility, and respect for craft. Work, for him, is not performative; it’s a daily practice, guided by standards rather than applause, and most importantly, with passion for painting.
Equally impactful have been the moments that required adaptability—building and sustaining a creative space, mentoring students, managing responsibility beyond the studio, and navigating periods of personal challenge. Those experiences reinforced that real work is not only about output, but about resilience, care, accountability, and a great deal of passion. They shaped how I lead, how I mentor, and how I define success today: as something steady, earned, and deeply human.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds in my life have not come from a single event, but from periods where certainty disappeared—times when plans shifted, identity felt fluid, and forward momentum required patience rather than control. There were moments when creative direction, personal responsibility, and life circumstances all demanded more adaptability than I had anticipated. Those stretches tested my sense of purpose and forced me to confront how tightly I was holding onto outcomes.
Healing came gradually, through acceptance and presence rather than resistance. I learned to slow down, listen more carefully—to my body, to my instincts, and to the people closest to me. Art became less about proving something and more about grounding myself in process. Partnership, particularly with Antonio, reinforced the importance of steadiness and trust over urgency.
Resilience, for me, has meant learning how to stay engaged without forcing resolution—allowing uncertainty to coexist with commitment. Over time, those experiences reshaped how I approach both life and work, deepening my empathy, strengthening my patience, and clarifying what truly matters. Healing didn’t arrive as a finish line; it emerged through alignment, humility, and a renewed respect for time itself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
The people closest to me would say that what matters most to me is integrity—doing things thoughtfully, honoring commitments, and staying aligned with my values even when it would be easier to take shortcuts. I care deeply about authenticity, not as a concept, but as a daily practice: being present, honest, and attentive to the work and to the people involved.
I value depth over noise and consistency over visibility. I believe meaningful progress comes from patience, careful listening, and showing up steadily rather than chasing momentum or recognition. That perspective shapes how I make art, how I mentor, and how I help sustain Galeria Adelmo as a space grounded in respect and mutual trust.
At my core, I’m motivated by connection—creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace. Whether in the studio, the gallery, or personal relationships, I’m guided by the belief that shared experience, generosity of spirit, and long-term commitment matter far more than spectacle. Those values shape how I think, how I work, and how I measure what truly lasts.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is a simple one—that I helped create spaces where people felt encouraged to make, to learn, and to belong. More than any single body of work, I’d like to be remembered for fostering environments where artists felt supported, students felt seen, and creativity was approached with generosity and care.
If Galeria Adelmo continues to reflect those values—curiosity, integrity, and shared experience—then I would consider that a meaningful and lasting legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adelmogallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galeriaadelmo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_google-one-tap-submit
- Twitter: https://x.com/Hellem1Mike
