PRESS RELEASE
Introducing Melissa Herrington
Oct 17 – Nov 30, 2020
Education
2008, Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, California MFA Studio Art
1997, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida BFA Studio Art Honors, Minor in Art History
ABOUT MELISSA
Melissa Herrington is a contemporary abstract artist currently living and working in Los Angeles, California. She has called Southern California home since 2005 where she received her MFA from Otis College of Art and Design. Prior to that, she spent most of her early career in Atlanta, Georgia and has a BFA from Florida State University. She has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her works are represented by multiple prestigious galleries.
ABOUT PROCESS
My aim is to create abstract paintings that are contemplative and evocative. The organic quality of my textured marks lends an ephemeral feeling, images imply fluidity. This “unfinished” surface represents an unfolding of possibility. I use the transparent stains and the opaqueness of color. My work examines the theme of transformation.
ABOUT INSPIRATION
In the studio I work on many pieces at once and so my studio wall is always full of paintings. The works are constantly shifted around, being placed and reordered. I see this wall as an developing story, a set of possibilities.
My paintings are representative of my path, which is inspired by adventure and independence, and my love of color and texture. For me travel is a major catalyst for my evolving themes and artistic practice. I am exploring spontaneous, gestural marks and subtle female forms through abstraction. In all my works color and shape are both organic and intuitive and feminine.
Artist in Residency
2016 Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts, Rabun Gap, Georgia
2015 Cill Rialaig Residency, County Kerry Ireland
2012 LaSallian International Residency, Tuscany, Italy
2010 CAMAC, Marnay sur Seine, France
2009 Sandberg Institute Fellowship, Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam, Holland
2006 Idyllwild center for the Arts, Paintings Edge Residency, Idyllwild, California
2014-2001 Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts, Rabun Gap, Georgia
2002 Hungarian Multicultural Center, Budapest, Hungary