Artist Profile: Melissa Lee
Name:
Melissa Lee
Hometown:
Yakima, WA
Neighborhood:
Everett, Delta
Medium/Craft:
Digital, Watercolor
Years doing your craft:
3 years
Artist Melissa Lee.
How did you first get started in your craft?
I've always been creative/crafty but I started drawing again after I read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. In the book, she asks readers to think about the thing they did as a child that brought them joy. When I was very young, I loved painting and drawing (especially, Tweety bird!) but stopped around age ten because I felt I wasn't "good enough." I swallowed my fear, started drawing and fell in love all over again. That was 3 years ago and I've probably drawn every day since.
Giant Pacific Octopus // Melissa Lee
Favorite Artist(s) and/or Inspirations?
I'm very inspired by Lisa Congdon who started her career as an artist later in life, and Maggie Cole who brings so much humor and joy to her portraits.
Favorite Piece You've Created?
I don't have one favorite piece I've created but something I'm really proud of is my portraits. I love drawing commissioned portraits because it's really fun to see people's reaction to something so special. My Ladies Drinking Coffee Series on Instagram last year was really fun to create and I learned a lot about time management and capturing people's essence.
Bear Drinking Coffee // Melissa Lee
What’s the most challenging part of being an artist, or something you had to overcome?
For me, the most challenging part of being an artist is the fear of something turning out "bad." I subscribe to the idea that there is "no bad art" (also from Big Magic) and this gives me grace to push myself creatively and embrace all the art I make at every stage of my journey.
How can people be supportive of the arts?
People can be supportive of the arts by paying artists a fair wage for their work, or following, liking and commenting on social media posts.
The World’s On Fire // Melissa Lee
Favorite place in Everett to eat?
Favorite place in Everett to hang?
Hosting friends at my house.
Towel Lady // Melissa Lee
Favorite quote and/or words to live by?
Words that I live by are "You can't divide the infinite." I believe that creativity and love are infinite and these words keep me centered when I'm afraid I've missed an opportunity or I'm not where I "should" be as an artist.
What's next for you?
Enjoying creativity and continuing to hone my craft forever and ever.
Where can people see more of your art?
Instagram!!!
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