Melissa Knight

I'd say my style is nonrepresentational, emotive, with an urban tone to it. There's a sense of revelation...layers (which could represent anything, really) alternately concealed or revealed, a snapshot of an unfolding universe. Simultaneous composing and decomposing.

Details about the materials I use: I paint on canvas, wood and masonite. I use oil paint, polyurethane, both oil- and water-based enamels, wood stains, and dry mineral pigments with various media.

Why I create this type of art: It's purely compulsive. It just happens. Unlike many areas of my life, I don't intellectualize it unless I'm forced to (like now). I have to be unattached to the outcome in order to make anything at all. This busy brain of mine can foul up any creative pursuit with ruthless criticism and over-analysis. I follow the feeling of flow and unity. I've tried in vain to attach a conceptual identity to my work to make it more palatable to the art world. In truth the concept is me, you can know me by looking at my paintings. It's a commentary only insomuch as it expresses my situation within a structure(s), never cool observation from a impenetrable castle of cultural critique.

Where I find inspiration: I can find inspiration anywher...