Melanie Rose
Melanie Rose was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She began college at Western Washington University, then took a break from school to raise a family and travel with her husband during his time serving in the Air Force. In 2021 she graduated from Eastern Washington University with Bachelor of Art degrees in Studio Art and Art History. Since 2012 Melanie has operated her studio business, Gears in the Garden, where she focuses on selling her work through Etsy and conventions, as well as teaching community-based youth and adult art classes. Melanie works in a variety of mediums, currently focusing on polymer clay, drawing and photography. Her future plans include creating an arts center in her community as well as launching an art criticism practice.
Artist Statement
A theme that connects my work is duality. I gravitate toward that tension of seemingly opposing forces-line vs form, old vs. new, organic vs mechanical through various mediums and applications- drawing, sculpture and photography currently. I am interested in the interaction, conflict, or compromise, of disparate ideologies that come together in one work. I come back to the simple thought “this, or that, or both.”
I tend to be vary drawn to certain aesthetics, it’s a surreal feeling, when I see a style or application of color or line that speaks to me- I want it, I want to do that, I want that intangible thing that connects to me. I work in a variety of mediums because different mediums speak differently. I like the versatility of choosing a medium or aesthetic that conveys my concepts the most clearly.
Having a large artistic toolbox allows me to reference a myriad of mediums and techniques to achieve the aspect of the aesthetic that has drawn me to it. I can let my subconscious do the thinking, without worrying about the why or how. Many times, I start a work with intent to explore this need to capture a unique something about the aesthetic, in process or even post-production I ponder on the result. Often, I am led back to the duality of the things I create.