Meet the Artist

I’m Iris Lubbert, a Michigan artist creating joyful, colorful original artwork designed to brighten everyday life.

I’m a first-generation American raised in a German-Hungarian household in Cleveland, Ohio, where family, tradition, and creativity were woven into daily life. From the time I was young, I was happiest making something with my hands and heading straight for the arts and crafts table. Creating has always felt like home to me.

My path to becoming an artist has been shaped by both creativity and community. I graduated from Kalamazoo College with a double major in Studio Art and Human Development & Social Relations, then earned a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. I later spent more than a decade working in public service, helping create communities where people could thrive.

Those experiences continue to influence my work today. They deepened my belief that the spaces around us matter, and that color, beauty, and thoughtful details can truly shape a space.

I returned to painting as a personal creative outlet and quickly rediscovered how much joy it brought me. What began as something I did for myself became something I wanted to share with others. With the encouragement of family and friends, I chose to pursue my dream of becoming a working artist.

Today, I create from my home studio in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where I live with my husband, our son, and our three mischievous cats. My work is created by hand using acrylic paint and pens, often with music playing and a cup of tea close by.

Through bold color, playful energy, and uplifting imagery, I hope to create art that makes people smile, brightens their homes, and offers a small escape from the dust of everyday life. If one of my pieces brings warmth or joy into your space, then it has done exactly what I hoped it would.

Come along on my journey to discover what exciting projects I'm tinkering with and stay in the loop with my freshest updates! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook.