Melissa Forman Drops Her Latest Print She Who Blessed With Second Sight

Here for her 3rd RUN, Melissa Forman, again brings us a breathless beauty with She Who Blessed With Second Sight.  Read on to check out our exclusive interview with Melissa where she discusses past influences and more.

1xRUN Thru Interview

She Who Blessed With Second Sight by Melissa Forman

 1xRun: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight for “She Who Blessed With Second Sight” ?

Melissa Forman: This painting is about my experience with health problems. The overall outcome and feeling of the painting is a ethereal, moody and deals with my own uncertainty throughout my struggle. It’s an attempt to deal with my own feelings, worries and loneliness that go along with chronic illness.

1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?

Melissa Forman: I wanted to tell a story about my life and the experiences I’ve had. I used symbols in the painting the represent certain moments, experiences and emotions. I wanted to take experiences I’ve had and turn them into something that could visually tell my story. Painting is like therapy for me.

1xRun: How long did the piece take?

Melissa Forman: This piece took about a month and a half to create.

1xRun: What is unique about this piece?

Melissa Forman: This piece is unique to me because it weaves important parts of my life and experiences together to create something unique and beautiful; something that can speak for itself and tell its own story.

1xRun: Why should people buy “She Who Blessed With Second Sight” ?

Melissa Forman: This piece has a lot of meaning and symbolism in it. I created it with the intention of taking moments in my life and important memories and turning them into something beautiful. I hope others can see the beauty in it as well.

1xRun: Describe this RUN in one gut reaction word for us.

Melissa Forman: Pensive.

1xRun: When did you first start making art?

Melissa Forman: I remember my preschool teacher telling my mom that she thought I had artistic talent. So, I can say, I think I’ve been making art since it was physically possible.  I remember decorating a ceramic plate with a portrait of my family in preschool. But I didn’t sell my first piece until I was 14.

1xRun: What was your first piece?

Melissa Forman: I did a portrait of my history teacher’s children.

1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?

Melissa Forman: I always loved John Singer Sargent. Once I got into college I really appreciated Joe Sorren and Mark Ryden.

1xRun: What artists inspire you now?

Melissa Forman: I really like Eugenio Recuenco’s work. He’s an amazing photographer. I love Mark Ryden, Martin Wittfooth, and Kris Lewis. I love classic painters like Ingres and Vermeer. I love William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?

Melissa Forman: I usually listen to audiobooks or watch tv/movies.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?

Melissa Forman: I would actually love to collaborate with someone who paints completely differently from me in the hopes that it would challenge me in a new way. Maybe an abstract expressionist painter.

1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?

Melissa Forman: Leonardo da Vinci, might as well go for the best, huh?

1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?

Melissa Forman: I think the first piece I bought was from my friend Paul. Well, it was kind of on loan. So I don’t have it anymore. He took it back for another exhibition.

1xRun: What was the last piece of art that you bought?

Melissa Forman: The last piece of art I bought was from my friend Erik. He had a small gallery show in Cleveland.

1xRun: What else do you have in the works?

Melissa Forman: I have a show coming up at The Corey Helford Gallery in October or November of 2013.

1xRun: Where can people find you across the internette?

Melissa Forman: Website

  -1xRUN.com