We recently connected with Melanie Delgado and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2008 I decided to move across the country from New Jersey to California. I didn’t know anyone out there or any idea what I would do when I got there. I had faith it was all going to work out. Radical change felt necessary at that moment of my life. I was 30 and ready for serious change. East coast vs West coast. Big differences but I certainly found myself grounded in a community of people who were looking for freedom. At that point in my life I had not had a personal art practice. I had always worked with kids, including teens who I found myself encouraging and nurturing their art interests. With all of this said, I stayed for 6 years and in that time I met a community of painters who welcomed me in and ultimately tapped into painting as a release from years of trauma, violence and addiction. Many years later back on the east coast I am living in Upstate New York in a creative community beyond my wildest dreams. I am painter and an instructor at the Woodstock School of Art.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Most recently I have been focusing on my art students who I work with on a regular basis. I teach a weekly abstract painting class in person at the Woodstock School of Art & an online class as well. This year I have opened my schedule up to one on one art coaching and individual artist projects. As a working artist I have found that the best way to find out how to do anything related to art is to talk to other artists. This may seem obvious but I am noticing more and more that it can be very hard to get started in the art world. For me I found painting out of pure desire for a new way to express myself. My main form of artistic expression was photography. I love the way painting has brought me into a whole new community of people and opportunities. It took me many years to see that I had placed myself in certain situations to find healing. After many wasted years I do not take one day for granted. The fact that I now work with adults in this collaborative way is nothing short of a miracle. It feels good. We learn from one another. I am proud to be a part of something bigger than myself. I care deeply about my own painting as well as others. I guess you can say I am rooting for all of us!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I’ve been asked this many times. For me, it’s all about following my gut and simply being myself. We all have a unique voice. I try to have fun with my space online and just do what feels good for me. The share button is there for a reason, I use it. It’s important to me to support my friends, colleagues & community members. It’s pretty easy… and can make all the difference for others. If I dig it, I share it. It’s also ok to ask others to support something that is important to you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Rejection is part of the journey. In all careers. I have failed and been rejected countless times. Jobs, art submissions, friend groups, art cliques, galleries.. the list goes on. I do believe that putting myself out there and at least trying is more important than getting what I think is best at that moment. I’ve come to see that I am not fully in charge and there is a bit of magic to it all. If I keep showing up I trust that I will absolutely be placed in a situation where I can feel good about the work I am doing AND be of service.
Contact Info:
- Website: melaniedelgado.org
- Instagram: melaniedelgado.art
Image Credits
Helena Palazzi