Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Manzelmann.
Hi Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a 40-year-old single mother of 2 boys. They are 21 & 17, and I had them very young. I loved painting when I was a kid. I became a mother at 18, and my creative outlets went to the back burner. My boys and I lived in poverty and survival mode for the better part of a decade. In 2010 we ended up in Austin, TX, and the trajectory of our lives changed from there. I had some success in business and was able to elevate our situation. As my boys grew older, I started painting again, which was very healing for me. That’s the short version, but I know I am here to serve the person I used to be. Through my work and experiences, I hope to be able to help other women believe that their situations can & will get better. Empowering women to stand up for themselves, break free of self-doubt, and realize their full potential is what drives me daily. Some friends in interior design saw some of my work, hired me to paint a wall mural for one of their clients, and things took off from there! In Oct 2021, with the help of some friends, I put on a solo art show, which was a huge success! The turnout was great, and my paintings sold. I decided to go all in and make art my full-time job. It’s scary to “put all my eggs in my own basket,” but I’m just listening to my gut, and doing what feels right.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles. However, I am beyond grateful for everything I’ve experienced and accomplished because it has gotten me to this point. I lived in Denver from 2009-2010, and life was rough. I worked 2 jobs, went to school part-time, didn’t have a car. I walked and used public transportation to get my kids and me to school/daycare/work. I was super poor and was roommates with my ex-husband. It was probably one of the hardest years of my life, but it taught me what a badass I am! If I can make straight A’s, work 2 jobs, endure my ex as a roommate, and make it home to read to my kids every night, then I can do anything! My mother passed away suddenly in Sept of 2010. I decided to move to Austin where my sister had been living for decades. We wanted to be near each other after losing our mom. Once I got to Austin, so many things fell into place beautifully. It felt like my mom was able to make things happen for me that she couldn’t do while alive. That may sound “woo woo,” but that’s what happened.
As for building my art business, the road hasn’t been smooth, but I feel equipped to manage the obstacles. It’s challenging to navigate so many “firsts.” Like art fairs/shows, setting up business structures and operations, etc. Learning (sometimes expensive) lessons along the way is inevitable. You have to show up the best you can, and be committed to seeing things through, even if it’s a mess. This past fall, I had a booth at Pecan St Festival and Formula 1. Outdoor art fairs are a ton of work with setup & breakdown. Both of those events were chaotic for me.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m self taught, with no formal training. I paint mostly abstract expressionism on canvas, using acrylics, inks, and some collage/mixed media. I love working on a large canvas because I can move around more. My art studio is in a barn on a friend’s farm, where I can make as big of a mess as I want! I rarely plan ahead and have a structure-less setting. I usually meditate and journal before starting work. It helps clear my mind and reach a more authentic headspace. From there, I let the paintings take on a life of their own! My use of color, textures, and movement are what sets my work apart. My paintings have an intensity and energy to them. One of the things I’m super proud of is my commission work. It is gratifying to create unique and specific art for the collector and see their faces when I deliver the painting and watch them connect with the work.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
As basic as this sounds, you have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, who will? I also think there is never a perfect time to dive headfirst into your dream, so just do it!
Pricing:
- My original & commission paintings are roughly about $1/sq inch
- Prints range from $25-200 depending on size.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MelissaLynnArt.com
- Instagram: @Melissa_Lynn_Art
Image Credits
Peyton Hatchett
