I studied technical printmaking in St. Louis when I earned my BFA. After moving to the West Coast, my printmaking interests gave way to a stronger interest in painting, photography, and language. For the most part I was still working on paper supports, and only slowly beginning to work on canvas. As I explored the beauty of the beaches and coastal trails, I began to place found and personal objects in found boxes, and my assemblage work was born.
12 x 12 inches
Sold, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Artists Gallery
12 x 12 inches
Sold, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Artists Gallery
Watercolor and ink on prepared board 2025
10” x 10”
Available
My hive installations examine layers of meaning and experience seen in the context of the honey bee hive. Through juxtaposing layers the work invites the viewer to examine meaning through imagery - sifting through memory to make sense of life, time and events.
The hive installations expand from two-dimensional paintings to organic sculptures which protrude from the wall and dance in the air. Some of the sculptures seem swaddled and protected, some are constricted, some seem eaten through with "beautiful anxiety." I use materials commonly associated with agriculture and apiculture and I reference history and text. The honey, pollen and nectar relate to iconic texts.
Silk, hemp rope, metal, wax, graphite and text transfers
HIVE installed at Category-ART, Peoria, IL August 2023 Left
HIVE installed at Category-ART, Peoria, IL August 2023 Center
HIVE installed at Category-ART, Peoria, IL August 2023 w steve
HIVE installed at Category-ART, Peoria, IL August 2023
HIVE installed at Category-ART, Peoria, IL August 2023 w melissa
New work using the medium of watercolor and ink
Landscape and seascape completed this year
I have taught, demonstrated and lectured across California including:
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
College of Marin, Marin County, CA
University of California, Continuing Education: UC Berkeley,
UC Stanislaus, UC Los Angeles.
Humboldt State University, Eureka, CA
Pence Gallery, Davis, CA
Davis Art Center, Davis, CA
Hunters Point Studios, San Francisco, CA
Tamalpais Artists Group Studios, Mill Valley, CA
Hood Sailmaker’s Building Studio, Sausalito, CA
Art Demonstrations and Lectures can be tailored to fit your organization’s interests. Please see “Contact” in main menu.
How to begin creativity coaching with Melissa Wood:
First: Text or email
to schedule a consultation:
(309) 322-4984
Email: mwcategoryart@gmail.com
Next: Enjoy a 30 minute consultation at no charge
via phone or zoom before you schedule your first session to determine your interests.
Then: Your coaching will be tailored for you and your stated interests.
