Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Guertin.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. As a child, I played the piano, the guitar and danced in ballet for a few years, but discovered in high school that to be more illustrative with my work was what I was most passionate about. Even though creating is what I knew I did best, I ran from my calling for a few years, believing the lie that being an artist could only be a hobby and never a real job. Regarding professions, I’ve wandered down many different paths attempting be like everyone else but myself. Every dead end brought me back to my first love, art. I enjoy all forms of fine art; but my primary focus, being painting, ironically is the only artistic discipline for which I’ve received the least amount of formal education. For the most part, as far as painting and drawing go, I am self-taught!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t, but that’s ok. I’ve always believed that even while still “earning my stripes” as a nobody artist, that the Lord would provide solid opportunities, so long as I continued to have faith and keep working. You don’t get something for nothing, as my favorite yoga instructor always says. Some struggles have included dropping out of college, doubting my own potential, and forgetting what I am truly passionate about for mentally draining jobs.
I didn’t enjoy any of those struggles, but I learned valuable life lessons from all of them. I’ve learned to adapt to the things I can’t control but that it’s also ok to change things up a bit when that option becomes an available reality.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My primary focus as an artist is painting. My work is characteristically bright and colorful, heavily influenced by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Andy Warhol. A strong understanding of color theory, combined with the knowledge of foundational elements, are what I use to make my art special. I like to bring vibrancy and joy to perfectly ordinary things. I am currently enrolled in Art on 30th’s artist mentorship program, and I have participated in many Art on 30th’s artist expositions such as: “Raining Cats and Dogs”(2021), “Summertime”(2021), “Two” (2022), and national exposition “Hi Ho Silver”(2021).
I believe that what sets me apart is my spirit, work ethic, and trust in God’s guidance over my life. Without His faithful and gracious provisions, I would not be where I am standing today.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Determination, because so many people tried to put me in a box, I learned at an early age to defiantly chase the things that brought me joy.
Contact Info:
- Email: Signed_mg@yahoo.com
- Instagram: _signedmg
Image Credits:
Profile photo credit: Charlotte Hills
