Reporter’s note: I’m a person who really enjoys creative expression. Whether it’s singing, dancing, sculpting, or drawing, these forms of “art” are the best outlets that I think we have to openly and freely express ourselves, and Michael Harrell definitely has a profound sense of expression through his extreme artistic talent. Whether it’s skin, canvas, or any surface that can be recreated, Harrell has perfected the ability to turn any piece of surface into a masterpiece. Harrell also writes beautiful “works of arts” among his multitude of other talents, truly making him a jack of all trades. His talent is limitless, but while recently inquiring about some of Harrell’s artwork he sells, I got a chance to scratch the surface of his boundless talents.

VALDOSTA — “At some point, I believe that every life God created, He created it for a special purpose or mission. And we as people have to endure trying times until our mission is revealed,” said Harrell. “I mean, yes, I am an artist. But being an artist allows me to be creative enough to paint someone who is troubled a clear picture that relates to their problem, so they can get a full understanding on where they went wrong or what they need to do to better themselves. So by me giving this part of me to help others has also shown me who I am and why I’m here.”

Michael Jerado Harrell, owner and extreme artist of Angelz Tattooz & Art Studio, located at 2149 1/2 B Bemiss Road, in the same plaza as the CRS night club, was born Nov. 10 in Valdosta and has lived in the area most of his life. But as a connoisseur of the various tastes of life, Harrell has ventured away from the South also. “I lived in Maryland and Atlanta, and it gave me a different perspective on how to achieve certain goals dealing with people and the community, especially when the odds are against you. And that when you’re placed in the middle of adversity, you have to adapt and yield yourself until your environment says yes you have earned your right to be here,” said Harrell.

Harrell enjoys tattooing, canvas painting, inspiring others and praying. Harrell completed high school and does not have any military experience but his artist and tattoo experience is an extensive part of his life. “I have been a tattoo artist for eight years, been in business five years ... God will give you second chance to make a first impression.”

Through his art and his love for inspiring others, Harrell strives to be a positive aspect of the Valdosta community as a young business owner and a regular person. “From a community point of view, I would improve the value of learning to build self character, and by doing so it will help the environment become free from the fear of failing. People fail because of what they don’t know about themselves and for not believing in themselves to know that the journey of a million miles can’t begin until you take the first step.”

With the number of events occurring in our society, perhaps the approaching 2008 presidential election is one of the most significant. And many, including myself, are excited about the possibility of an African-American president during our lifetime.

“It’s a great feeling. I mean, at least it gives us a sign that we are accounted for as a people. But at the same time, this nation has suffered enough for the misrepresentation that comes from leaders. If Barack Obama can stick to what might get him his position as president, which is to focus on what benefits the American people through truth and honor instead of trying to seduce a greed mentality by controlling the world to benefit himself, then his eight years in office will never be forgotten in my heart,” said Harrell when asked how he feels about the possibility of having a black president. “Obama will receive my vote, not all because he is black but at the same time he has a different quality of leadership skills tied into his character. I feel that the truth to who he is will develop into world peace instead of war and destruction.

“Right now I feel that the country is so desperate for someone rather if he is black or white or whatever color God chooses, to take us to a different level. Some people would be mad, but then some people would be waiting for him to mess up, then some people would benefit from his position, then some people just wouldn’t care either way.

“Based on the system that society has set within itself, meaning knowledge is power, and who has the most knowledge or education will have the better chance to better positions in the work force. People sometimes say what you don’t know won’t hurt, but what you do not know will hurt you. It seems as if 70 percent of society is based on what you know, and 20 percent is based on who you know, and 10 percent is based on the perfect timing element (God). I advise anyone to get education. You can’t lose,” said Harrell in reference to the importance of education.

Harrell said that his favorite person is Jesus Christ. “Despite all the mistakes that I have made, His death has given me the right through repentance to obtain favor, grace, and forgiveness.”

When asked what message he would convey to the world and the community in which he resides in, Harrell stayed true to his positive nature of motivating others.

“My message would be to be yourself in all you do and trust God enough to know that He didn’t bring you this far to leave you. Learn to forgive yourself and each other because the spirit of truth in this world can’t function off of a blind-sided society. And continue to work hard at what you do, and know that for you to be reading this that God is pleased with you enough to let you make it to this point. You can’t always measure success from how much money you make, but by the amount of people that your reflection gives the strength to do the same thing you’re doing when you’re living to make a statement in the community.”