We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Grisancich. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My earliest memory of selling an Artwork was after a portrait competition I had entered in university. A new hotel in Melbourne had commissioned 10 Artists to decorate their rooms and we had to submit a sketch and it went from there. If anything having someone interested in my work and wanting to hang it on their walls was enough for me. It gave me encouragement and a sense of confidence in my work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a multidisciplinary Artist from Melbourne Australia. I had wanted to be an artist from a very young age and it was a natural progression as I got older.
I make paintings as well as sculptures such as wooden, glass and concrete objects. I use acrylic paints as well as watercolour and gouache.
Apart from my art practice I also curate exhibitions in Melbourne – one particular annual exhibition I am know for is called ‘Spring-Time’ which is an all women’s exhibiting across all disciplines and stages in their careers. This is a major show that I work on throughout the year that usually opens in September or October.
I work from my home studio here in Sandringham which is in the coastal area half an hour out of Melbourne city. I do commission work from time to time and also teach ‘introduction to still life painting’ when I get spare time in between projects.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think being an Artist is an incredible privilege. Especially having the resources and access to art where I live here in Melbourne. There is plenty of opportunities to get your work into gallery spaces and to enter prizes. It’s rewarding in a sense that I am able to make Artwork and share it with people all around the world.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The ‘Beautiful Losers’ ( 2008 ) Documentary by Aaron Rose and Joshua Leonard changed my perspective on how I view art making and my purpose for making art.
The whole emphasis on D.I.Y Mentality really resonated with me. Also the way that the artists were emotionally driven my their artwork and making work for themselves and nobody else is super inspiring. I revisit this film often if I’m feeling stuck or need a reminder of how enjoyable making art can be!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @melgrisa

Image Credits

Artist Portrait taken by Michael Danischewski