I just want to start off and thank you for visiting my site! I will admit, after graduating from university with an art degree, I went through a phase without art. This was the first time in my life that I took a break from creating. I would say I got caught up on the excuse of transitioning into the real world, not having a full studio like you do in school with space, ventilation, tools, and assignments. I neither wanted to think about art nor did I have any desire to create. During this time, I went on a life journey in cycling, traveling to Europe to race with the pros, getting proposed to on a bike ride - and getting married, to traveling all over the US to race my bike. Cycling became my life - but I realized that one very important ingredient was missing - and that was Art.
My first painting back after my 2+ year break was "Tandem Love." This would become one of my favorite pieces. We had a friend who was getting married and I couldn't figure out what to give as a wedding gift. My husband Aaron looked at me and stated, "You can paint something." I almost argued but gave in. The piece really was an expression of love within our own marriage and a very important reunion with me and the brush. Soon after, my parents sent me a new easel for Christmas, "Make the world a beautiful place," they said. I started painting more and more to give as gifts and my passion for art started growing. Still, I was what you'd call a closet artist as very few people knew. "Who is the artist?!" they would say as they admired one of my paintings hanging in Aaron's office. "Me." "I know it's your's but who painted that?" They thought I misunderstood the question of artist vs. ownership. "I did. I am the artist."
Finally, a move across the country from Boston to Phoenix changed things for me. It brought me open spaces, more cycling adventures, but also room in our condo for me to spread out and create!
So here we go! I am finally coming back out of my closet and sharing with you my cycling inspired creations on my new site Bike Art By Melissa!
I am an artist AND I love to ride my bicycle :)