ARTIST STATEMENT
My paintings are emotive abstractions guided by hope and human connection. I create visual touchstones influenced by the push and pull of life’s natural forces. Much of my earlier work responds to the narratives of others; however, my more recent paintings are rooted in my own experiences.
I often include historical and personal records of time like handwritten passages from letters and journals, photographs, dried flowers or other mementos. Emotion and memory are revealed through these, original patterns and intimate layering that invites curiosity, reflection and introspection.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Melissa Stephens is an encaustic painter, photographer and printmaker who has spent 17 years educating children and adults in the arts. Stephens exhibits nationally and internationally. She received a BA in Art from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA, and continues her arts education through specialized instruction with leading encaustic educators.
Themes in her work explore the preciousness of time and the value of human connections. She is an encaustic painting instructor, R&F Paints Educator, IEA Board Member, Valley Art Gallery Social Media Director, Co-Founder and Co-President of the NorCAL Wax Chapter and advocate for the arts in Walnut Creek, California. In 2022, Stephens started the annual Hope Lives: Art for ALS exhibition to honor her sister.
© Melissa Stephens