We were lucky to catch up with Melinda Fine recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melinda, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I have learned with formal instruction but also by doing, imitating and experimenting. I earned an MFA in Creating Writing (UNC-Greensboro ) in short fiction. That training taught me how to construct the narrative which has carried over into the art of collage. I had graduate training in graphic design (NCSU School of Design). Design education teaches visual literacy, how to interpret a problem into a visually effective design, the meaning of signal, noise, symbol and nuance. Design solves a problem visually, and I approach collage in that manner.
In writing as well as art, an artist has the task of finding and owning their voice as well as discovering the best medium in which to express that voice. To me, it is an organic process and evolves on its own timeline–much like your own insight and judgement develop as you mature.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I have always been an artist but it was not until I studied graphic design that I branched out professionally. I created a body of work for musical artists while separately pursuing my own vision. I started out as a painter but moved into collage in the early 2000’s- inspired by Kurt Schwitters, Magritte, Louise Nevelson and Joseph Cornell. I relate to the mystery of abstract expressionism and the narrative quality of Jospeh Cornell.
I have a background in medical/laboratory science which permeates my collage work and also an affinity for music and dance which appear often. My work tends to depict the liminal nature between dream and waking, the depiction of interior processes of rationale and emotion, the trajectory of thought.
One lesson of graphic design is your intent as the creator will not always be interpreted as you intended. Viewers bring their own history and biases to your art and often interpret them in ways you never dreamed. It is always a surprise to hear how people respond to one’s work.
I am proud to earn the critical respect of my peers, to be represented in juried shows with other artists is meaningful to me.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
I am fascinated by the mystery of the psychological and intuitive nature of being. I view my explorations in art as a means of discovering or uncovering the source of inspiration or anxiety. My art, to me, is a form of therapy- much like pondering a cryptic dream. The intuitive nature speaks to us in symbols, and I delight in that exploration.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Not everything is a competition. There are so many gifted and talented artists in the world, and you can learn from any or all of them and appreciate their vision and drive. The journey is the destination. It is full of hills, valleys, twists and turns and if you persevere, you will appreciate your own resilience.
Contact Info: