Two Potted Plants Painting

Hello! My name is Melody. I live and work in Calgary, Alberta. I was born in Hong Kong and my family immigrated to Canada in the 90's. I have been working as a mental health nurse for the past decade. In high school, I took many art classes and was most interested in painting and drawing. When I graduated from high school, I pursued a career in Nursing instead because I wanted a career in doing something rewarding and meaningful but also with the flexibility to travel the world. Throughout Nursing school and even after I graduated, I never stopped creating art. I always painted in my free time and participated in local art shows when I am able. I have travelled on my own to Europe and Asia quite a bit the last few years and just spend days perusing masterpieces at notable museums and galleries. Fascinated by art history and being able to actually see the pieces in person is truly a blessing that I am very grateful for. While I am still very passionate about my work as a mental health nurse, recent health concerns and compassionate fatigue led me to reevaluate/adjust my time in doing work that is still meaningful but with less stress. At my work, I meet and get to know people from all walks of life and am fascinated by human stories. Inspired by artists that struggled with mental health such as Vincent Van Gogh, and Edvard Munch. I am drawn to the stories and emotions they express through their art. “No longer shall I paint interiors with men reading and women knitting. I will paint living people who breathe and feel and suffer and love” - Edvard Munch In transition, I am working less in my nursing role and spending more time painting. I am in pursuit of a BFA in Visual Arts/Painting. In conjunction with my nursing experience, I am hoping to be an Art Therapist in the future and help people heal in a different way - through art. My intention for creating art to share with others: engage viewers to feel color, joy and hope. Art that I create (not for sale) for myself - expressionism art that help me understand the world and myself better.