Meet Mixed Media Artist Melanie Statnick

I recently had the pleasure of participating in an ATC (Artist Trading Card) swap. In an age of e-cards, texting, and tweeting it was nice to send a neatly packaged parcel with my creative inspiration and to anxiously await one in return. My partner for the swap was mixed media and collage artist Melanie Statnick.

Statnick is originally from of Ontario Canada but now calls North Carolina her home. “I love to create,” said Statnick. She feels right at home in her community where there is a vibrant arts scene.

Working primarily in paint mixed media and collage, Statnick also likes to dabble in art journaling and assemblage art. “I’m inspired by whimsical things, nature and illustrations,” she said.

She strives to keep her art filled with whimsy and lots of detail. “I’m drawn to illustrative animals and faceless figures. I find nature particularly flowers and birds find their way into my work. I am also addicted to houses,” she said.

Even artists like Statnick who seem to be inspired by a host of things find the well has run dry. She said, “Artist’s block happens. One of the key steps to overcoming is creating something, anything just for fun. There are so many creative outlets something is bound to get the juices flowing again. Meditation can bring great insight also.”

It seems we all have a medium that we haven’t yet explored. For Statnick that medium is clay. “I make items with paper clay and air dry clay but I’d like to really get my hands dirty with a potter’s wheel and fire a keepsake,” she said.

Like many artists and crafters Statnick has to balance her artistic outlets with her responsibilities as a mother. She explained, “I’m a mother of one. Every day is a different adventure with my child. You have to take advantage of the free time you have. At night when they are sleeping, announcing that you need to ‘work’ in the studio for an hour or two helps you as an artist to keep your soul happy. It’s not always that smooth but we manage.”

Statnick finds it difficult to single out one great accomplishment. She said, “I feel all my achievements are great. I’m not sure I could pick just one. As an independent artist you are the whole company. Nothing will get accomplished unless you’re doing it, or you’re fortunate enough to have an assistant. I produce the art, market it, advertise it, sell it, etc. I have come a long way in my art being self-taught and I’m proud of every step.”

Even your miss steps can be learning lessons. Statnick said one of her biggest mistakes was renting a studio in a public gallery. “It was not what I thought it was going to be and my work was hurting due to sharing the space, public traffic and interruptions. I became more focused and produced quality artwork when I built a private studio at home,” she said.

When it comes to selling art Statnick said, “Be sure to display your art where there is enough public traffic. Sometimes you have to know when to pull out of a venue were your art is not selling... Get back and sell it somewhere else.”

Statnick encourages budding professional artists and crafter to keep the faith. “Don’t be discouraged. There are so many resources out there to help. Ask for help. You need motivation and dedication. If you’re not ready to be the entire Company then keep it as a hobby,” she said.