About Melva
In my work, there is little doubt where much of my inspiration comes from or that I am of strong faith in what God has created for us to behold looking toward the light in all things beautiful both on Heaven and here on earth.
As an artist, I have no desire to work in the dark but rather in the light, in sharing my perspective on those places which we have not yet seen. There is a place in this universe which the human eyes have not seen at this moment in time, and that is the place where my mind and my hand as an artist seems to go. It is in the smallest of details where I am at home as an illustrator and artist.
My imagery evolves from those moments grown and woven through my many experiences and memories, and by those in my life I hold most precious, my heavenly Father, my children, my childhood, and my little dogs. The whimsical perspectives and architectural imagery found in many of my illustrations, are inspired by my faith that there is more to this world than what our eyes are presently allowed to see.
I believe there will come a time when we will see and live among these fantastical things, and it is that vision which my imagination attempts to illustrate often through vintage imagery and hues of orchid and lavender. My illustrations are surreal however they are how I visualize the past, present and future.
From elements of architecture and interior design to botanicals and trees representing layers of years for me, it is about layering all that is to live for. My desire as an artist has always been to create a body of work which is spiritual, organic and beautiful.
Artist of Faith
Scriptures I Love
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Psalms 123:1 (KJV)
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalms 34:18 (NIV)
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Mark 9:23 (NIV)
Jesus answered and said unto him, "What I do thou knows not now; but thou shalt know hereafter."
John 13: 7 (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 6-7 (KJV)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
Revelation 21: 4 (ESV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2 : 4-5 (NIV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91 (KJV)
Inspiration
My five children: In much of my work, I include somehow either illustrations of my children, and or their belongings, such as their shoes, or clothes, or the things they loved to wear when they were small. I also, often somehow use their belongings in collections somehow, for example little shoes in a trunk with an illustration as an installation.
Fabrics and decor: I often include some form of textile in my work, such as linen, cloth, or some sort of decor such as a trunk and paint or draw them or paint or draw them. I love combining linen especially either thru wrapping canvas, or by inspiration of the texture of the linen on the canvas in my work.
Architecture or elements of Baroque architecture: Because I love old architecture, I am especially drawn to the ornamental qualities of the Victorian Era, as well as Baroque and even some elements of Gothic Architecture as well, I love and am inspired by the finishings and the imagery that can be inspired on paper from these images, of faux finishes, gilding paste, and the often celestial beings such as angels or cherubs. Gothic architecture, usually using a portion of an element, such as an arched doorways, vaulted ceiling, iron gates, and exterior ornamentals.
Botanicals: I often include in my work renderings, and illustrations of fine botanicals, such as pods, leaves, vines, florals, and in them add my own embellishments, such as scrolls, completely surreal forms of botanicals, and creations which do not particularly exist in the world. Some of these I incorporate into archways, doorways, however often times, they are the sole subject of my drawings. I am drawn to organic forms, particularly those green, and those which have much detail, such as trees which have many leaves, branches, vines, and a lot of information.
Color - Lavender, Gray, and Magenta Hues: I am very inspired and drawn to color waves such as lavender, grays, magentas, for my work. I typically stay in the black and white realm, or use black ink and embellish using gray-lavender hues, and magentas, or pink hues. I have used blackberries to make ink for pieces on linen, and I love the color waves that are produced by using real blackberries, and even blueberries, in combination with watercolor.
