Artist Statement

The eclectic artwork of Melissa Thompson is a culmination of years of exploration in a variety of mediums, from traditional drawing to tattoo art. Her current medium is felt, which is heavily influenced by color, patterns, and textures found in nature.

As she has progressed in her artistic journey, Melissa has found innovative ways of incorporating many mediums and creative processes in her work. Her faux taxidermy pieces are the culmination of all these ideas and evoke a sense of otherworldly whimsy.

The unpredictable outcomes of many of her multi-faceted artistic methods contribute to the final demeanor of her animal sculptures. The creatures themselves sit at the intersection of West and Whimsy, with each one made with the idea that it may have come from another time or place.

In 2021, Melissa spent time in Falmouth, England where she pursued a Master’s degree in Prosthetic Effects. This program pushed her artistic ideas further into the world of realism, and she has recently begun incorporating ceramic horns into many of her animal sculptures.

Melissa has spent significant energy developing processes where she can create her art in a sustainable manner, using biodegradable materials when possible. Our natural world and its beauty is something she strives to honor. As a maker, Melissa finds the impact we have upon the land is an important topic and is something she chooses to represent in her work. In addition, Melissa feels compelled to further explore the concept of the unpredictability of the natural world and its future. She is specifically interested in the ways animals are adapting to these changes.