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Melissa Porter
Melissa Porter
Melissa Porter

Melissa Porter


Mixed Media

I’m a storyteller. My artwork is the intimate narrative of the stories I have experienced or witnessed. Stories of the human condition and what I know of it: faith, loss, and betrayal, but also triumph, strength, and courage. When words fail me or ...Read More

Products
  • Art
  • About Melissa Porter

Showing 1–20 of 28 results

  • Within Sight of Shore

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    14"H X 14"W X 4"D
  • An Unauthorized Flirtation

    $300
    Melissa Porter
    12"H X 12"W X 1"D
  • Star of the Show

    $250
    Melissa Porter
    13"H X 10"W X 3"D
  • Mother Moon

    $350
    Melissa Porter
    31"H X 17"W X 4.5"D
  • Get In the Lifeboat

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    14"H X 14"W X 4"D
  • Grand Opening

    $400
    Melissa Porter
    14"H X 11"W X 1"D
  • Warm Pear

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    6"H X 9"W X 1"D
  • The Other Woman

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    8.5"H X 6"W X 1.5"D
  • At the Garden Gate

    $500
    Melissa Porter
    16"H X 12"W X 1"D
  • The Music Within

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    12"H X 6"W X 1.5"D
  • Cool Pear

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    6"H X 9"W X 1.5"D
  • the Gift of a New Day

    $300
    Melissa Porter
    18"H X 11"W X 5"D
  • Sleep Well

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    14"H X 14"W X 4"D
  • Vantage Point

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    14"H X 14"W X 4"D
  • Faith

    $300
    Melissa Porter
    12"H X 12"W X 1.5"D
  • Travel Restrictions

    $200
    Melissa Porter
    8"H X 8"W X 1"D
  • In the Garden

    $500
    Melissa Porter
    32"H X 21"W X 6"D
  • Nature Nurture

    $500
    Melissa Porter
    13"H X 5.5"W X 3"D
  • Release

    $250
    Melissa Porter
    7.5"H X 8.5"W X .5"D
  • Calm

    $150
    Melissa Porter
    6"H X 6"W X 1"D

Artist accepts commissions.

STATEMENT

I’m a storyteller. My artwork is the intimate narrative of the stories I have experienced or witnessed. Stories of the human condition and what I know of it: faith, loss, and betrayal, but also triumph, strength, and courage. When words fail me or the subject is too harsh or crude to bear, I turn to objects, images, and color. I rely heavily on the use of universal symbolism within the images and objects I choose to emphasize emotion. Frequent themes are water, with its power to renew and destroy, and the violin, which represents a woman I have come to know and my relationship with her.

I am a mixed media artist. I work with a variety of old, used, discarded items that no longer hold value in their original form. The reworking of these resale or found objects appeals to my “waste not, want not” philosophy and upbringing, and keeping these sentimental treasures from the landfill...that sits well with my soul. My first love of photography gave me the skills to tell stories visually as I didn't fancy myself as a writer -- being dyslexic. When I am in need of comfort I tend to work with softer materials. Embroidery work also connects me to what has been known to me as “women's work” and a prayer is sewn into every stitch for anyone who has ever felt the way I have felt. Collage gives me the ability to layer ideas and imagery to create visual depth and soulful understanding. When I allow myself to play with the materials I have collected in my studio, touching and connecting with each item, stories from a distant memory or a dream begin to emerge. It is intuitive, and it is only when it is finished do I know what story needed to be told.

I am an empathetic human. The world is oversaturated with images and information, I crave a world with softer edges for my empathic self. Creating with black and white, using desaturated imagery, and limiting my color palette helps to soften the harsh realities of life. I do this out of compassion and respect for myself and my audience.

BIO

Melissa Porter earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI, in Fine Art Photography. Her early career had her working as a Photo Stylist, Production Coordinator, and Location Scout throughout the Western United States. While she raised her adopted daughter, Melissa owned and operated a successful portrait studio in Beverly Hills, Michigan. In 2012 she closed her studio in order to pursue her dream of working full time as a visual artist.

Melissa’s work is reflective of her life experiences and showcases her affinity for symbolism. Found treasures such as vintage clock cases, cigar boxes, and photographs add their own character to the intimate story she narrates. Her work is greatly influenced by artists such as Joseph Cornell, Duane Michals, and the Starn Twins, as well as her travel experiences and exposure to different cultures and religions. Through her creative process, Melissa explores the concepts of permanence, boundaries, value, and connection.

EXHIBITIONS/SHOWS/COMMISSIONS

Exhibitions

2020

“Gratitude” - Kreuser Gallery, Colorado Springs CO

2019

“Invitational Holiday Show” - Color & Ink Gallery, Hazel Park MI
“Full Circle” Solo Exhibition - Color & Ink Gallery, Hazel Park, MI
“Small Wonders” An Exhibition of Tiny Art & Films - Atomic Cafe, Hamtramck, MI
“Animals Art Exhibition” - Light Space Time Online Gallery

2018

“Small Wonders” An Exhibition of Tiny Art & Films - Atomic Cafe, Hamtramck, MI
“House of Wax” Juried Encaustic Competition - Northville Art House, Northville, MI
“Wax in the D” An Exhibition of Encaustic Art - Wax in the D Online Gallery
“Dia De Los Muertos” - Higher Art Gallery, Traverse City, MI
“Damned” An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness - Tangent Gallery, Detroit, MI
“Art for the Holidays” - Detroit Artist Market, Detroit, MI
“Big Group / Small Work” - Higher Art Gallery, Traverse City, MI

2017

The Luna Collective” Group Show - Woods Gallery, Huntington Woods, MI

2016

“The Luna Collective” Group Show - Madonna University, Livonia, MI
“The Dog & Pony Show” - Articipate Gallery, Berkley, MI

2015

“Empty Before Use” The Art of the Cigar Box - Woods Gallery, Huntington Woods, MI
“The Damned” - Tangent Gallery, Detroit, MI
“We the Vehicles” A Tribute to Detroit Bicycle Culture - Detroit Artist Market, Detroit, MI

2014

“100 x 50” - Padzieski Art Gallery, Dearborn, MI
“Studio Grand Opening” The Luna Collective - Russell Industrial Center, Detroit, MI


2013

“Summer Art Show” - Rodin Restaurant, Detroit, MI
“The Journal Show” - Janice Charach Gallery, West Bloomfield, MI
“Members Exhibitions” - Whitdel Arts, Detroit, MI
“Actual Size” - Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit, Detroit, MI
“Luna Collective Group Show” - Rust Belt Market, Ferndale, MI
“Local Artist Show: The Luna Collective” - Majestic Cafe, Detroit, MI
“Ridge Fine Art Market”, Ferndale, MI

EDUCATION

College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI - Bachelor of Fine Art; Fine Art Photography

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2012 to Present Melissa Porter Visual Artist, Berkley MI
2019 to Present Assistant Gallery Director, Color & Ink Studio, Hazel Park, MI
2012 - 2019 The Luna Collective, Founder & Artist, Detroit, MI
1999 - 2012 Leeper Photo, Owner & Photographer, Beverly Hills, MI
1998 - 1999 Acme Photo Works, Production Coordinator, Highland Park, MI
1996 - 1998 Morawski & Associates, Production Coordinator - Troy, MI
1991 - 1996 Freelance Photo Assistant, Metro Detroit, MI
1992 Pierce Street Gallery, Assistant, Birmingham, MI
1991 Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Art Instructor - Rochester, MI

Art Director, Image & Design, INC, Los Angeles, CA
Professor of Art and Design at the California Polytechnic State University
Prof. Emeritus California Polytechnic State University

ARTIST'S TAGS

Encaustic Photography, Mixed Media, Collage, Hand Embroidered, Throw Pillows

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  • About
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  • INFORM Blog
  • Read: How to Easily Display Unframed Artwork
  • Read: Learn Which Art Styles Are the Most Popular
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