Michelle li Murphy

I am a professional artist, and I have enjoyed dying silk for 20 years. My father, Michael Murphy, first introduced me the art of silk painting in 1992. We started a necktie company in Seattle, where our unique hand-dyed silk ties were picked up by Mallory and Church, a noted menswear manufacturer for upscale fashion lines. As our business expanded, I moved to New York where I worked closely with representatives in the garment district. Our neckties captured the hearts of many men and by the year 2000 we were selling Murphy Artisan Ties in over 250 fine galleries and boutiques across the country. In 2006, I started experimenting with wearable art garments and large scale wall hangings in my Brooklyn based studio. As my interest in sewing continued to grow, I enrolled in pattern making classes at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, followed by classes in Advanced Couture Techniques at The Maryland Academy of Couture Art in Towson, MD. I continue to develop my painting skills and now create one-of-a-kind scarves, fabulous cocktail dresses and elegant kimono capes. To see examples of my work please go to www.barbarianhead.com.