Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Borrell.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been making art, designing and innovating with materials for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Houston and have lived in many cities around the world. I’ve always been fascinated with and inspired by math, architecture, nature, and technology. Incorporating my interests, I started off as a jewelry designer and eventually fell in love with installation art. I studied French and studio art in Boston and Paris and then worked as a studio artist in San Francisco for several years before moving to Providence for graduate school. I received an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in 2005 and moved back to Texas in 2006.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am always challenging myself and growing as an artist. After many years of working as an art jeweler, I had a desire to make large scale installation art. Making this transition was not easy but I was determined to make the ideas in my head a reality! I had a vision for larger work that was directly inspired by explorations I had done for some of my jewelry creations. I needed to develop my portfolio and prove my abilities at this scale to be able to get large commissions. My residency at PlatteForum in Denver gave me the space and time to experiment and create large installations. Documenting and sharing the projects I created there led to more commissioned projects. I then received two commissions from the City of Austin for public art projects in 2013 and 2014. I was selected to have a show at Lawndale Art Center in 2015, I created an installation titled “Prismatic” which then led to a whole new series of works that delved into the magic of color. Opportunities such as these are integral to my development and growth as artists. Just this past year, the Facebook Austin HQ commissioned a permanent installation and I created “Tessellation Constellation.”
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I create kinetic, architectural sculptures and immersive environments that surprise and delight while striving to inspire participants to see the world in a new way. Fascinated by math, geometry, nature, technology, and architectural forms, I combine materials and shapes in a unique way to create environments that illuminate the things that I find awe-inspiring. I get lost in the details of my work and enjoy the whole process, from researching materials and using it to make my pieces seamless and intricate. Using light, shadow, and movement, I strive to create artwork and spaces that encourage viewers to slow down, wonder and smile.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I have so many ideas churning in my mind all the time. I am excited to expand my work in kinetic and interactive art. I’m always looking for new opportunities and projects and would love to eventually build a playground of interactive structures. I’ve always been fascinated with interactive art and feel that a playground is a perfect way to showcase my work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melissaborrell.com
- Email: info@melissaborrell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaborrellart/
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