Grow, Create, Inspire

Melissa Stephens

When a seed is planted it may thrive or it may sit dormant in the ground until something in its environment changes. New life sprouts upward under the watchful eye of the sun, and roots embed themselves deep into the earth to provide food and stability. Depending on the type, one seed may promote growth for multiple plants.

The germination of creativity works much the same way. When inspiration strikes, my mind and heart are altered from their original spheres. I may leap of my chair and run to my studio. Or more likely, I will sit with a new idea for days, weeks, or months. I create lists and draw quick sketches.

Like the seed that rests below the ground waiting for nourishment or warmth, I take my time to fully explore and sift out the true essence of what I’ve experienced, heard, or seen. Sometimes a concept requires research. Sometimes I have a strong opinion that needs voicing, or I will lean into an emotional response. I can also recount times that I’ve ruminated so long that I start dreaming about the subject matter. Once I’ve thought it through and searched my heart, I begin to realize visual cues and carefully consider content and color.

Finally, I begin transcribing it into something visual.

A Bit of Cheer, Encaustic, metallic pigments diptych on cradled board, 12 x 12 x 1 in

It is a rare moment that I first begin painting on my intended substrate. My encaustic students are aware of this because we always loosen up with small boards before getting to the big stuf. I encourage them to “just play,” like I do.

It’s important to allow yourself time to explore color, content, lines, textures, and (perhaps) some new techniques.

Carving, scraping, and mark making are analogies for my emotional expression. I work on 3 to 6 boards at once to let the ideas flow out of me, into my brush and onto the surface.

Boundless, Encaustic on board, 13 x 3 x .5 in

Boundless is an example of expressive lines. This was a playful warm-up painting.

There are no rules while cultivating inspired ideas - rules stifle growth. I let my hands grab what they like and push my medium to do as it’s told.

My encaustic painting students will attest that I will never tell them what to paint; I help them navigate their painting journey. One result that I love during the process of play is how multiple interpretations can result from one spark of the imagination. This is the best time to let them all speak in order to decipher which ideas are the best. My students often surprise themselves when they discover that their intended painting is not their best painting, but the precursor for the more subliminal grand plan. It’s pure magic!

My life, in its small and big moments, delivers plenty of sustenance for my artwork. Personal experiences keep me quite busy in my studio, but I double up my eforts by listening to National Public Radio shows like: “Snap Judgment,” “Science Friday” and “The Moth Radio Hour.”

For example, in 2016, I heard Director Lulu Wang tell her story about a Chinese tradition called Chongxi on “This American Life.” The literal meaning is to “wash away misfortune with joy.” Unable to stop thinking about it, I did my research and got busy painting. In the course of several years, I created a series of artwork based on her story and others like it.

Sometimes germination can inspire ideas that promote creative growth in other ways. When my sister was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gherig’s Disease) in 2020, many of my paintings translated into visions of hope, life’s unpredictability, and living in the moment.

My desire to do more led me to start a Little Art Gallery on my website that helps fund ALS research. In May 2022, my growth as an artist branched out in new ways, when I curated the first annual exhibition, Hope Lives: Art for ALS. Now planning my second exhibition in May of this year, it is clear to me how each idea and action grew in an authentic and natural way until it bloomed.

Developing new content for my artwork means looking and listening closely. I remain open to new ideas and immerse myself in how an experience or situation feels. I latch onto what is important to me and nurture these ideas into visible representations to share as an artist, educator, and curator. My way is not the only way. How do you explore what inspires you? I hope that these seedling ideas help to nurture your creative expression.

About the Author

Melissa Stephens is an encaustic painter, photographer, and printmaker, who has spent 15 years educating children and adults in the arts. She received a B.A. in Art from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA, and continues her arts education through specialized instruction. Her encaustic paintings explore themes of healing and hope. She is an encaustic painting instructor and advocate for the arts in Walnut Creek, CA. Her artwork shows in galleries throughout California and collections across the United States. In 2022, she co-founded the NorCAL Wax Chapter and curated an annual exhibition Hope Lives: Art for ALS.

You can view Melissa’s work at www.mascreations.com www.instagram.com/melissa_stephens1016 www.facebook.com/melissastephens1016 www.youtube.com/@TheEncausticEdge https://www.bluelinearts.org/hot-and-cold

The 2nd Annual Hope Lives: Art for ALS

San Francisco Women Artists Gallery May 2 - 26, 2023 www.hopelivesartforals.com

Next to Near

Encaustic mixed media with Mexican bark paper on cradled board 36 x 24 x 2 in