The layers of my work are not just visual but tactile, with cutouts inviting glimpses into the interweaving of elements. Currently, I paint in watercolor adding elements that have been cut, torn, or broken then reassembled into new forms. As I thread twigs, embroider patterns, sew on beads and explore mixed media, I can't help but acknowledge the influence of women who came before me. Their intricate stitches and hours of labor that often went unnoticed as art. I'm still unraveling how the concepts of embroidery, lace, and quiltwork from the past link to my current creations. Each piece is a mix of thoughtful deliberate design and the work guiding my creation. This process involves hours of contemplation, both with the work and while sitting outside, imagining different outcomes. This process involves spending hours looking and thinking with the work, sitting outside thinking and imagining different outcomes. The goal: there is nothing to be added and nothing to be taken away. For the work to be interesting, not perfect.
About the Artist
Artist Melanie Denise Coburn draws inspiration from her upbringing in Baltimore City, with its row homes, community and shared walls. Her artistic journey began with museum visits and art projects led by her mother. Nurtured by her mother’s encouragement of creative exploration, art was an inseparable part of Melanie’s life. Melanie’s continual passion for art led her to the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Starting in 2007, Melanie shares her love for art as a dedicated teacher at Mercy High School, teaching students in grades 9 through 12. A cherished childhood memory is the creation of a small pink wooden sculpture crafted while at Leith Walk Elementary School, which was selected for student exhibition displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). This moment, captured in a photograph of her standing proudly beside her creation, instilled a sense of pride and joy in her artistic journey. Mentorship has played a role in Melanie’s development as an artist. Her high school art teacher, Mr. Gomez, and Renate Duncan, a mentor from a private studio where Melanie both took and taught classes, played pivotal roles in her artistic development, offering support and introducing her to painting. Deeply connected to nature and the traditionally considered women’s crafts of knitting and crocheting, Melanie’s work is a blend of watercolor and embroidery. Nature allows her to explore themes of growth, resilience, and the intricate details of life. She combines her love for needlework with watercolor to create textured, meaningful pieces that resonate with authenticity. Despite challenges in defining her artistic voice in the contemporary art world, Melanie remains committed to her creative pursuits. Melanie’s personal qualities, especially her empathy, permeates her work, fostering a deep connection with her audience and making her not just an artist, but a storyteller. Beyond the realm of art, Melanie finds solace in reading, caring for her cats, and cherishing moments with family and friends. For Melanie, art is not just a passion; it is a way of life, filled with joy, reflection, and a constant search for authenticity. Her work reflects her personal journey, weaving the tapestry of her life through the language of art.Featured Work
Photos
Featured Work: Photos
Untitled #1
Untitled #2
Untitled # 3
Untitled # 4
Untitled # 5
Booking
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