Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Libutti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Reality vs Imagination, Individuality vs Conformity, Perfection vs Expressionism, Compliance vs Freedom, Strength vs Pain, are all constant battles in my mind. These issues not only resound through my work but resonate with the Worlds issues today. Every year I contribute a piece to www.haloartsproject.com ’s, Angels for Artists Annual Auction and www.https://www.bestbuddies.org/wisconsin. It is always satisfying to have an opportunity to give back to the community and create awareness of these conflicts described above which my series, RISE, addresses.

However, ontological questions have always been a integral inspiration behind my work and are the most gratifying as an artist. This passion has evolved into an acute interest of the epistemological study of space time and the possibility that other dimensions of existence exist, that we are unaware of and are experiencing now, in the present. Research and education into the latest scientific theories by physicists, scientists and astronomers and the discoveries by the Hadron Collider and The James Webb Telescope, combined with my own ideas, dreams and experiences has prompted an urgent desire to translate these abstract concepts into palpable art using interference, textures, plexiglass, wire and mirror to give sustenance to these abstruse theories and to transcend the viewer to the possibility of other planes of existence envisioning their own alternate lives through my paintings. Further scientific investigation and experimentation with new materials, such as advanced automotive paints, stimulate ideas of incorporating frequency, sound and lighting to transcend the boundaries of canvas into interactive installations combining science, philosophy and art.

Melissa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I AM an ARTIST. I didn’t know that I was an artist until well into my twenties. Creative makeup artistry opened the door to the core artist inside me. The beautiful model became art by using artist pastel and metallic non toxic paints to create an other worldly effect on her beautiful face. Going beyond basic makeup artistry gave me the craving to take the paint to canvas and hanging sculptures. Attending courses in life drawing and painting sparked my life long love affair with abstract and the female form and led to art exhibits, awards and selling work in California, Las Vegas and Colorado. Earning a degree in Digital Design and Multimedia contributed to the progression of my practice and the birth of my motto, “SHRED the BOX”; that raging desire to smash through that, tough, confining mental enclosure, that most artists can relate to, continues to challenge and motivate my creations.

I create with a divine guide that shows the viewer possibilities in life that relates to them and can guide them along their life’s journey for them to have a bright future and feel connected on a cosmic level. I am open to commissioned work to further this connection between myself and the art collector, including, original hanging art mobiles created with an individual’s character, personality and soul in mind. Using hand picked crystals, wood, rocks and other natural elements encompassing their lifestyle and colors, a natural artistic embodiment of the person is achieved. These pieces are everlasting memorials of the individual and bring positive energy to their lives. They can be custom ordered. When doing so, the total essence of the person its for, whether it be a gift to oneself or another or memorial their soul shines.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I began life legally blind in my right eye with double vision, even to this day. I realize now what an impact this has had on me throughout life and manifested in my art. I feel I overcome this handicap in many ways and it is interesting how it not only affects my work but in the way I view others. I see faces and stories in art that are not always obvious. Heavy texture calls for my tactile senses which compensates for my own vision being obscured. Using my hands and fingers creating work with high texture while allowing my imagination and inner visions to light help overcome what lacks in precision in my work.

This handicap challenges other aspects of being an artist such as the business and marketing as[ect. Not driving a vehicle for instance. Or requiring a studio that needs improvements such as more lighting. But emotional, physical challenges affect everyone in life and resiliency and innovation go along way. I have also been honored by the Lyon’s Club to have been gifted lens implants by Dr. Mark Johnson here in Venice Florida. He gave me the miracle of not having to wear contacts anymore. The double vision remains and adds to my imagination and inner perceptions.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

After a six year hiatus from painting due to loss and logistical, personal and emotional circumstances, I slowly began creating again with the support of my late husband and family. Unfortunately cancer overcame my husband and I was left living with no career or car and living with my parents. A state I never thought I would be in. I am still struggling, however, with support from family and friends I have become determined to continue moving forward in my art career towards bigger and bigger personal and professional successes with financial independence as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shredthebox.art
• Instagram: @shredtheboxart and. @asylumartworx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090985044839
• Linkedin: Melissa LIBUTTI
• Youtube: Asylumartworx

Image Credits
All photography by Melissa LIBUTTI