Please meet this weeks artist.
Name:
Mel Paradise
Age: 29
How did you get started in art?
I’ve been making things since as early as I can remember. I’d always excelled at art in school but then wouldn’t end up coming back to it until later on in life. I thought I’d be a professional costume designer, then went to school for psychology before working as a bartender and eventually deciding to just do art full time because it was necessary. I feel like it’s what I’m meant to be doing.
Hometown:
San Diego, but you couldn’t pay me to move back there. Portland became my home about 3 years ago and I don’t want to live anywhere but here. I do get to travel quite a bit, but I want to always come back to Portland. As far as I’m concerned, Portland is my home town.
What types of art do you enjoy doing?
All kinds! While I was trained in drawing/painting, when I was young I taught myself how to sew. I did costume design for 7 years and then later got into perler bead art, but not before also dabbliing in writing, video production, marketing, and other arts and crafts. I also enjoy performing arts. I like to sing and would like to do it more often, or maybe act. I’m terrified of crowds, but it seems fun. I like the energy that comes along with live performances.
Do you have a dream project?
I’d like to work on some larger scale projects like murals and installations. I’m at the point where shows on the other side of the country are asking me to come speak about my works, but I’d rather get to where they’re paying for my transportation too. Being involved in the community is very important to me.
Do you have a favorite piece of artwork completed?
I do so much that it’s actually quite difficult to think of any one piece. You might have to ask me more specifically, like, what is your favorite painting? Favorite pixel art, etc. That kind of thing. I think many people think that one of the most impressive pieces I’ve made was a 3 ft tall portrait of GlaDos from the video game Portal out of perler beads. It took about a week to complete, and it’s huge! Thousands of beads! My personal favorite though is a little plush sea pig (a type of sea slug) that I made. You know, he’s the only one in existence, and he’s totally adorable.
Is there another artist that inspires you?
I like bright bold colors and surrealism. Right now I’m digging the works of Noel Fielding. I like how his stuff is both cartoony and a bit existential at the same time. It’s fantastic. I’m also a fan of Niel Harbisson. He’s a cyborg. Cyborgs are hot.
Pic of Your Work:
Do you have any links to your work online?
http://melmakessprites.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PixelArtParadise
https://twitter.com/melofcgamergirl
Thanks Mel!!
Please be sure to visit Mel and check out her work at the above links.
Adam Armstrong - Old Woods Artists Gatherings
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