Arrival with Melanie Nicole
A little over a year ago I was searching through instagram for Arizona artists, specifically emerging artists. I stumbled upon Melanie and her gorgeous flowers and through some brief exchanges of “I like you work” and “me too” we became peers. I followed along her journey and then when the pandemic hit and all of our lives came to a pause, Melanie inspired me so much. She went all in, put herself out there with her art, rooted in and grew. This exhibition at The HeArt Box is just that, a personal journey of Melanie and here we can see her arrival. I got to ask Melanie a few questions about being an artist and her work, here is her response.
(The HeArt Box) I see nature, flowers as a main theme throughout your work. Can you tell me a little about your relationship with nature?
(Melanie) I think flowers hold the ability to express more than just themes of beauty and growth. In a way, they help people say things that maybe they don’t have the words to. Depending on what kind of flower, what color, and how you arrange them—you can express joy, sadness, excitement, grief, disappointment, hope—the range is limitless.
(The HeArt Box) Can you share a little about your journey as an artist, how did you get started down this path? Any hopes of where you would like to take this vision?
(Melanie) Creating art has always been a part of who I am, but I did not choose to make a career out of it until only a couple years ago. My desire to pursue a creative career was sparked throughout my Peace Corps service in Guyana (2017-2019). When I finally moved to Arizona, I was still torn between holding onto my career as a nutritionist and following my dreams as an artist. But soon after my return to the US, my uncle passed away, and I truly learned how short life can be. I suddenly felt that if I didn’t try to be an artist now, I never will. He inspired me to stop wasting time doubting myself and just try. I didn’t know what I was doing or where to start, but I chose to take the risk anyway.
I’m still building my career as we speak, but I feel so fortunate to be able to dream how far I want to take it. I am very thankful to just be here.
(The HeArt Box) How do you choose your color palettes? There is a fluidity of colors through each series I have seen.
Keep Me Where the Light Is by Melanie Nicole
(Melanie) I start with a soft, warm base—playing with yellows, oranges, and browns. But often, I make color decisions as I go. As my pieces develop, I start to decide what colors would balance and contrast the main subject of my painting.
(The HeArt Box) What is the story you are wanting to tell through your artwork, this current exhibition at The HeArt Box?
(Melanie) In all of my work, I try to tell stories about what I’m learning and experiencing as a human. Stories that are light-hearted and stories that are heavy. I try to express beauty through them, even if it isn’t a beautiful story. I use florals as way to express admiration, growth, and emotion; while I use female figures as an act to better represent women in the media.
In this current collection, I am telling a story of triumph. Both my florals and female figures are unapologetic and wild to express a victory over patriarchal standards, unfair circumstances, and adversity.
(The HeArt Box) I know you dove into art during the quarantine and it seemed to get personal, would you like to share anything about this period of time and that process?
Stand Tall by Melanie Nicole
(Melanie) My partner and I were just gaining momentum—we just got engaged, we just moved into our first home together, we were on track with our careers—and then the pandemic hit and we both lost our jobs. It was incredibly disappointing, but we were resilient in the face of that uncertainty and struggle. Don’t get me wrong, I gave myself time to grieve and angry, but eventually, I had to move forward and I began asking myself, “What can I do?” Art was all I had at the time.
The stress effected my creativity and I struggled to paint anything, which is why I dove into jewelry making. I fell in love with it immediately and my business plan blossomed from there. I was sensitive towards the issues happening and did not push to sell my work right away. But I gave myself permission to dream again and put everything I had into making my debut collection successful. I am extremely fortunate to have a partner and a family that believed in me. Without their support I truly wouldn’t be here.
Jill Sans of The HeArt Box and Melanie Nicole at the opening of Arrival, Oct. 2nd
Arrival is on display at The HeArt Box from October 2nd - 31st. All artwork can be viewed and purchased here. Along with being the featured artist for October, Melanie is the featured artist for Arizona Women’s Film Festival on October 22nd.