Melissa's Bio

    I attended college with a major in Art Education.  I wanted to try EVERYTHING in the studio... sculpture, painting, weaving, metal work, glass blowing, ceramics, photography! The possibilities were endless and I loved that.  The problem came after graduation- I didn't want to teach. I had also been convinced that the only way to make art and be successful was to be considered a fine artist and display my work in galleries and museums.  This belief was crippling and led to many years of making work for myself, storing it and carrying it around with me from place to place, like a nostalgic little turtle.  

 

   I moved to NYC for sixteen years and worked at The Museum of Modern Art.  I continued to make things- costumes, weavings, props for themed parties... things that could be made and stored in a little studio apartment. I took up ceramics again and adopted a studio in the Village.  I felt that I had found a wonderful path to follow but then the pandemic hit and the studio was gone.  NYC was gone.  And my desire for being a cramped little turtle in the big city was exhausted.  

 

   I moved out of the city and into a bigger turtle shell (house) where I could stretch out and allow creativity to also expand.  I have returned to painting again and I no longer hold the belief that there is only one path and that it leads to galleries and museums.  I will attest that they are wondrous institutions full of exciting concepts and beautiful inspiration but I am also inspired by people and the things they cherish.  I have found a path that finally feels sturdy and true.  I'm ready to cultivate and share my talents with you! Please, contact me so that we can collaborate on something beautiful.

​                                                     ~ Melissa