We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Drumm. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.
Melissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As an Artist it is a daily practice to take a risk! While studying painting and printmaking in Undergraduate school a friends parent asked me “How do you plan on making a living?”. The thought had never occurred to me. Becoming an Artist was naturally innate. I did entertain teaching during graduate school but did not find it to be a calling at the time. In terms of a career choice the Arts is a big gamble. It is however never a risk in terms of joy, excitement, endless opportunity and a life of pushing your imagination. Also, the practice of risk taking in trying new materials, combinations and techniques is my greatest fascination.
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?
Making art to be lived with and enjoyed over a lifetime is important. This includes materials that are durable and natural and not man made. After dabbling with plastics I returned to earthly materials -wood and metals. Most importantly are layers of visual meaning, whether political or social, which are based in color, composition and technique. The works usually draw in quietly and hope to keep you there with references to sustain curiosity. The greatest joy to share, make, discuss and see Art is that daily life is forever enhanced at how you view and think about anything! Even the slightest experience in passing can be noticed which would ordinarily be unseen. If my work can enhance that capability then it is considered an Artistic achievement.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
There is room for anything. Have already started seeing “ collections” rotating on a den tv with a monthly subscription charge. With virtual reality heading in quickly now it is inevitable. There is no argument, however, that NFT’s can ever take the place of an in person handmade piece of original art. An in person experience is part of a work. With each turn there are discussions of what is real art; photography, Impressionism, Video, Conceptual, Abstraction, performance and on and on.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Throughout several decades now it never ceases to amaze me that when I am drawing, painting or sculpting work that it still takes me to a suspended place of sheer joy. Some call it the Zone and others the Fourth Dimension. I am very fortunate to have found something that gives me that experience! There are problems that may arise- color, technique, sizing, materials- but working them out along the way brings a sense of accomplishment. It is a natural unforced calling and brings a sense of purpose which is the most we can ask of Life. It can be a blessing and a curse! The curse involves times of non-productivity which can be used reading, talking, seeing others work and even cleaning out a studio or writing a grant or new application. The curse can also involve periods of bank account drouts. It is not a laid out path- do this and get to that place It is a personal best challenge. Be willing to strive with fortitude and persistence and the need and desire to create returns again and again.
Contact Info:
- Website: Melissaturnerdrumm.com
- Instagram: Melissaturnerdrumm
Image Credits
Lloyd E Drumm