MELODY TUTTLE
Melody has always considered art to be an integral part of her life, finding solace and fulfillment in the act of creating from an early age. Her passion for artistic expression has led her to explore various creative endeavors, but it was painting that resonated with her the most, becoming her primary mode of self-expression and an innate part of her being. Today, she primarily works with oil paints, delving into the depths of female identity and the significance of personal solitude.
Despite her passion for art, Melody has encountered moments where she contemplated leaving the industry, primarily due to the financial challenges posed by living in the demanding city of New York. She recognizes the difficulties of sustaining an art practice without a safety net. However, rather than succumbing to doubt, these obstacles serve as catalysts for her determination and motivation to persevere.
"While I have never desired to quit painting altogether, there have been times when I have considered different lines of work." she admits. “This was mostly financially motivated. New York is a difficult city to live in and It’s even more difficult to have a self-sustaining art practice here when you don’t have something to fall back on. If anything, those moments when I start doubting myself have motivated me to keep going.”
Immersed in New York's vibrant art scene, Melody actively engages with the city's galleries and museums. "Whenever I'm feeling uninspired, I visit galleries and museums," she explains. "It affords me the ability to get up close to work I admire, see how it was made. I like to look at paintings in person and deconstruct them in my head. I like to figure out how they were put together. It usually gets the wheels turning. Seeing art in person is so different from opening up your computer or a book. On a screen, a lot of the details tend to get lost or homogenized." Melody treasures the intimate connection she establishes when encountering artwork in person. She believes that the intricacies and subtleties of a piece can only be truly appreciated when standing before it, rather than seeing it through a screen. By deconstructing the works she admires, Melody gains fresh insights into her own artistic process.
Melody's artistic vision extends far beyond the boundaries of the canvas, encompassing a diverse range of interests and passions that find their way into her captivating creations. She finds herself endlessly fascinated by the intricacies of color theory, the mesmerizing dance of light and shadow, the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, and the vibrant tapestry of her surroundings. These elements serve as a wellspring of inspiration, infusing her artwork with a palpable sense of life, depth, and meaning.
She reveals that she pursued a formal education in art at The Rhode Island School of Design, recognizing the prevailing societal expectations and the widely held belief that attending college was a necessary step towards success. While she harbors no regrets about her decision, Melody acknowledges that alternative paths could have been equally valid and fruitful. Nevertheless, her formal education provided her with invaluable skills, knowledge, and experiences that significantly contributed to her growth as an artist.
Melody's current body of work delves into the profound exploration of female identity and the intricate rituals of solitude. With each brushstroke and composition, she endeavors to convey the liberating essence of self-reliance while granting viewers a privileged glimpse into the intimate moments of personal peace that she captures on canvas. Her pieces serve as visual windows, offering a glimpse into the sacred moments of solitude and reflection that shape a woman's journey. By depicting these intimate scenes, Melody seeks to celebrate the strength and resilience of women, highlighting the inherent power found in embracing one's own company and the freedom that arises from self-reliance. Her art serves as an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in these evocative narratives and connect with their own experiences of personal peace and introspection.
Melody's passion for art, combined with her resilience and unwavering spirit, ensures that her journey as a fine artist will continue to captivate and inspire. Being a fine artist working primarily with oil paints is more than just a profession—it is a lifelong dedication to creating beauty, evoking emotions, and leaving a meaningful impact on the world. Melody's artwork serves as a reminder of the power of self-expression and the profound impact art can have on both the artist and the audience.
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