works by melissa
Once upon a time, I was a full-time artist, maker, designer, builder, photographer, writer, and curator. This time of my life was enriching, engaging, and provided an invaluable education that formed an expansive way of seeing the world. I witnessed designs of function and narration morph and evolve into their true form, learning about the process needed for successful creation along the way. I was able to play, experiment, and find solutions outside of the box that everyone talks about. Independently and as a Gallery Director, I collaborated with professors and fellow artists to curate enriching multi-media experiences for viewers and facilitated a strong community for support. This rigorous and often challenging education of observation, conceptual thinking, critique, and strategizing led me to design systems to help small businesses I feel passionate about (the US economic downturn was also a catalyst for this transition to computers/online). I have applied this way of thinking to manage established artists and direct educational programs for the Ergos Institute of Somatic Education. My education also enriched my training in Somatic Experiencing, Neuroeffective Touch, and Bodywork and Somatic Education (BASE), which has lead to the relief of chronic pain and dysregulation.
The transition from the art world to the healing world, although curious to some, felt organic. I had always made work to process and organize life traumas. Finding an additional outlet through somatic-based education has allowed me to expand my capacity to help others. It creates a great sense of purpose. I still use creativity daily as a form of expression by designing programs and structures to better support educational platforms for Ergos Institute students.
In my studio work, I’m making quilts from discarded fabric modeled off of my great grandmother’s designs, studying the patterns we carry from birth and also writing treatments for a series connected to these patterns and trauma (began before exposure to the trauma field). I also enjoy designing living, working, and classroom spaces to create more function, flow, and comfort.
Below is a sampling of, not so recent work I made in the Applied Arts and Sciences program at San Diego State University, the Architecture department at MiraCosta, and during my time as a faux finisher. My dream to pursue physical design work is not dead, but I gain reward by helping communities in need.
Thank you for your interest,
- melissa
wood
metal
mixed media
Fern Street Circus, San Diego, CA
Collaboration with artist Jessica Gannon
Fern Street Circus serves families and transforms neighborhoods through performance and teaching of circus arts. They aim to create social change, neighborhood by neighborhood. Circus tradition transcends barriers between people of varying cultures and languages, combining physical and theatrical skills, merging the magnificent and the lowbrow, and is uniquely suited to be the medium of social exchange and social good. Circus combines art with sport, changing the way kids feel about exercise. Children, teens, and their families join together in a nurturing, portable, creative place for making friends, growing up, and marking milestones through collective achievement. Fern Street Circus is a non-profit community resource serving the city of San Diego. Learn More
