Melanie Blackerby

2-D MM
Mobile, AL
www.MelanieBlackerby.com

Artist Bio
Melanie Blackerby may be a newcomer to the art community, but she has been drawing and creating most of her life. Born and raised in Mobile, she graduated with a English education degree from University of Mobile. While there, she took a couple of studio painting classes that sparked a love for painting. However, while teaching high school English and raising three small boys, she didn’t make much time to pursue her passion. At the urging of her husband two years ago, she chose to turn her passion for painting into a profession. Apart from those two painting classes in college, Melanie is self-taught. She often mixes paint strippers, oils, and acrylics to achieve a “worn-in” look to her paintings. Melanie paints only on wood, often using rough cut, reclaimed or salvaged wood panels or discarded antique doors. She chooses to exploit the wood by using heavier mediums like construction grade plaster, carving the underpaintings, or accenting her pieces with roofing nails or carpet tacks. By using layers of plaster and paint, she produces works that are both familiar and fresh. She tries to create paintings that speak to a place of comfort and shelter. Her recent abstract work is inspired by textiles like quilts and ikat prints. Melanie uses layers of silver leaf, paint, plaster, even vintage hymnal pages to create patterns in new, fresh ways. She hopes that viewers connect with her works and feel the sense of simplicity and home that they convey.