Interview with Melora Walters
Illuminating the Soul: An Exclusive Interview with Melora Walters
In the realm of art, certain creators transcend conventional boundaries to craft profound works that resonate with the human spirit. Melora Walters is one such artist, whose creations beckon viewers into the enigmatic world of dreams, emotions, and human connection. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the depths of Melora's artistic journey, exploring the essence of her work and the inspirations that fuel her creativity.
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Navigating the Complex Artistic Process
Can you describe your artistic process when creating a painting?
How do you decide what emotions to transmit onto the canvas?
It's challenging to encapsulate my artistic process in words, as it's an intricate dance between inspiration and expression. Often, a concept emerges from a dream, setting the stage for a profound exploration. I delve into research, dissecting symbols, seeking meaning, and connecting with the historical roots of my vision.
Sometimes, I approach the canvas with a rough idea, allowing the brush to lead the way, like an archaeological dig in reverse. Inspiration can spring from literature, visual stimuli, or music, igniting a spark within me. My art, at times, serves as a catharsis—a controlled release of emotions, akin to organized chaos.
Deciding which emotions to convey isn't a conscious choice; it's an instinctive response to the wellspring of inspiration. The emotions inherent in the inspiration guide me, and I strive to translate them onto canvas, paper, clay, or wood. It's a process that often feels like navigating through darkness.
Discovering the Meaning of Existence Through Art
What inspired you to explore the meaning of being alive through your artwork?
Are there any specific experiences or events that influenced your work?
My artistic journey began as early as I can remember. I communicated with the world by drawing in the sand with a stick and sketching on the walls of my room. It was my way of understanding and connecting with existence—an early exploration of the meaning of being alive. Later, when I learned about cave paintings, it reminded me of my impulse to adorn my walls with my version of the world.
Growing up in diverse countries and cultures made me an observer, a stranger. I was steeped in old fairy tales and mythology, which Joseph Campbell's work, like "The Hero's Journey," made me realize was my life's path. Art became my journey and my story.
Frequent visits to museums, where I was allowed to roam freely, felt like home. Museums are a world unto themselves.
The truth is, that without art, I would not be alive today.
Melora Walters at her studio, 2023
Art as a Psychological Voyage
You've mentioned your interest in psychology and human experience. How does this interest manifest in your artwork?
My fascination with psychology, particularly Jungian psychology, is a profound influence on my work. I explore the multifaceted aspects of an individual's personality and the intricate tapestry of human connections with others and the environment. What enthralls me most is the hidden, the shadow—the aspects we prefer to keep concealed.
Figures like Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Marie-Louise von Franz provide me with a key to understanding the world and myself. Jungian psychology unravels the complexities of human relations and the primal elements within us. Joseph Campbell's "Historical Atlas of World Mythology" and Clarissa Pinkola Estés' "Women Who Run with the Wolves" resonate deeply with me, shedding light on the unspoken parts of my soul.
I find solace and meaning in art, just as I do in the works of these scholars. Together, they enrich my perception of the world, my life, and my art.
Melora Walters, “Moth”
The Diverse Palette of Mediums
Your art spans various mediums, from oil on canvas to sculpture.
Can you speak to how you decide which medium to use for each piece?
My camera is a constant companion, capturing moments like taking notes. While everyone uses their phones for photography, I find that film photography, with its limitations, mirrors life's finite nature. The act of framing the image, considering it, and connecting with it before the click mirrors life's temporality.
Choosing the medium is an intuitive process, guided by the inspiration at hand. Sculptures often emerge from fallen branches and twigs, revealing their forms to me. These "Reliquaries," as Jan Baum aptly named them, combine clay, found feathers, jewels, twine, and thread. They are hybrids of the human and the animal—an exploration of the primal, the shadow, and the hidden.
A Universal Connection
Your work has been exhibited worldwide.
Have you noticed any differences in how audiences react to your art in different locations?
It's truly astonishing to witness how people from diverse backgrounds and locations connect with my work. Art, it seems, is a universal language—a simple human connection that transcends geographical boundaries. I've even overheard groups discussing my pieces as if they intimately knew them, a testament to art's ability to create profound connections.
Melora Walters, “The Senses”
The Future of Melora Walters' Art
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you'd like to share with us?
Currently, I don't have any new projects to reveal, but who knows what the future holds? I do have a nascent project, loosely inspired by The Rosetta Stone and a dream, which I'm eager to explore further.
Melora Walters, “Ocean Prayers”