Q&A with Michelle Walkey

Michelle Walkey is a senior at Herron School of Art and also works at the Good Earth Natural Food Store in Broad Ripple. She is currently growing a human in her belly and will proudly deliver in early July. Her work will be shown at the Artsgarden downtown on April 21-May 2, along with other Herron sculpture students. She will also be showing at the Herron Gallery on April 23 for the Senior Show.

Q: What are you reading?
A: Should I Medicate My Child: Sane Solutions for Troubled Kids with and without Psychiatric Drugs by Lawrence H. Diller, M.D. He is also the author of Running On Ritalin, published in 1998, which also deals with the pros and cons of treating children with psychiatric drugs. Dr. Diller advocates a more balanced approach rather than a strong pro — or anti — drug agenda.

Q: What do you like about the local art scene?
A: The art scene appears to be steadily increasing and with organizations like NCECA [National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts] visiting Indianapolis we are likely to continue this growth. Nearly every gallery in town was open and we even had a shuttle bus to strengthen the connection. Now that’s community.

Q: What don’t you like?
A: I don’t like that people expect so much so fast. A highly cultural and influential art community takes time and if you look around things are happening all over this small city.

Q: What inspires you?
A: The unknown. The idea that anything is possible. My husband’s hair.

Q: Drug of choice?
A: Melatonin.

Q: Favorite politician?
A: If it counts ... Bhumipol Adulyadej, the king of Thailand.

Q: What’s the hardest thing about what you do?
A: Getting out of bed in the morning.

Q: Three people you’d invite to dinner?
A: Lee “Scratch” Perry, Laura Ingalls Wilder and my great-grandpa “Pop” who was a painter, a one-man band and a veterinarian professor.

Q: What’s your favorite TV commercial at the moment?
A: The one with the product called “vitaballs” — vitamins for children in the shape of gumballs. It’s ridiculous! I’m scared for what is to come ...

Q: Can love be pornographic?
A: Sure, if you film it.