Melissa Wood

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.

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.

I created Honeybee Screen Triptych during my residency at the FAMSF de Young Art Center. Embedded on the screen are texts and symbols that reference the bee’s dance of communication, images of Versailles, and architectural elements as well as the elemental shape of the honeycomb. The colors were a sensual pleasure to work with as they represent honey, that most precious sustaining substance created by the bees.

I am currently accepting commissions for assemblage box portraits and mixed media portraits on canvas. To discuss, please click “contact” on home page.

For current private classes I now offer in central Illinois, please visit:

www.category-art.com

or see below for more information

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


How to begin art lessons 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 lesson to determine your interests.

Then: Your lessons will be tailored for you and your stated interests. You'll receive immediate personal feedback on your lesson with Melissa in the encouraging environment of her private studio.