2019 E.A.S.T. ARTIST HIGHLIGHT | Melanie Farris
Melanie Farris
We're exploring the world of the dozens of local artists featured at MMAC’s 2019 EAST gallery and their mediums. The goal of this series is to shed light on real-life Central Texas artists exploring what & why they create.
Q: Introduce us to yourself and your extensive body of work!
A: I’m a self taught artist specializing in acrylic paintings. My work consists of geometric, and often, optical illusion patterns. I use vivid color gradients to imitate radiating energies. My work can be described as disorienting yet hypnotic.
Melanie Farris
Q: how do you feel being an artist in Austin affects you as an artist?
A: I grew up in rural north east Texas on the outskirts of Tyler. There’s rarely any shops that sell artwork or public art out in the country. When living in Austin, there’s art by locals around every corner! Seeing the bold murals all over town really inspires and motivates me to keep creating. I am so proud to live in such a colorful city!
Q: When the going gets tough (as we all know it does), how do you persevere as a working artist? What do you do to stay motivated?
A: I like to take some time to relax and regroup. It’s important to practice self care because when the going gets tough, I’m usually working myself too hard. Or if I need something to spark my fire, I also enjoy listening to motivational speeches on YouTube. It really gets me energized to keep pushing.
Q: Tell us about the work you'll be showing in EAST! Is it narrative and/or emotionally driven? What are you hoping to leave the audience with?
A: I want to create work that people can get lost in. It’s important for people to be able to experience art that will transport them to another space that’s within themselves. Often, the energies I portray are felt during transcendental experiences. That is why they can sometimes be perceived as disorienting.
Q: We’re really excited that you’ll be exhibiting at Motion Media Arts Center with us this year! What are you excited about seeing or doing this EAST?
Melanie Farris
A: I’m excited to meet the creatives behind the art. Of course, I’m going to love seeing everyone’s inspirational creations, but meeting the makers behind the work is important too. When I’m around other creatives, I get really energized. I love hearing about different processes and inspirations from the artist themselves.
Check out more of Melanie’s work on her Instagram!
ABOUT BIG MEDIUM’S EAST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR:
Big Medium's East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends in November. EAST provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces.