About Melissa Perhamus

Melissa's use of mixed media reflects her study of many different forms of art from her early days of traditional realism, printmaking, pottery, and set design with her explorative nature. Melissa has lived in many different areas of the Northeast United Sates which comes through in her imagery.  She currently works out of her studio at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, PA  and exhibits consistently in solo and group exhibitions. Melissa received her BA in Studio Art from SUNY Potsdam and also studied at The Colleges of Ripon and York St. John, England where she feels she really began to hone her individual voice with her art.

Artist Statement

My current works in the "imaginary landscapes of organic memory" series, are created through a process of direct interaction with each piece as they develop. Each piece starts with a drawing which I see as the bones or structure of the piece and from there a dialogue begins. Through a combination of choices, chances and reactions, layer upon layer builds the landscape. I see the process similar to how we develop through our lives with each layer representing experiences built upon previous ones, all which shape who we become.

I call upon shapes and textures which I have experienced from nature, which have become part of my soul and where I find peace and safety from the man-made conflicts of day to day living. These imagined landscapes have a surreal element which challenges the viewer yet are also filled with a comfortable familiarity which connects and welcomes.