MELISSA KREISA
STATEMENT
I work with acrylics, gel mediums, and metallic pigments on canvas or wood panel, drawn to a palette of muted tones—warm blues, soft greens, gauzy yellows, and shadowy grays. I love how a subtle hint of metallic or iridescent medium can catch the light and illuminate a matte surface, creating a shimmering effect that suggests the passage of time.
Through my art, I am in constant pursuit of peace, exploring themes of spirituality, contemplation, harmony, surrender, and stillness. My hope is that my paintings appeal to both the imagination and intuition, evoking a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.
BIOGRAPHY
I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, where my early love of drawing and painting led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts. During that time, I interned with the medical illustration department at Georgetown University, which deepened my understanding of art and anatomy. Further education and career choices took me through graduate school and ten years in the corporate world managing an award winning team of graphic designers, computer artists & animators.
In 1999, my husband and I left the D.C. area with a sense of wanderlust. We started our family abroad—our first child was born in Australia, and our second in Paris, France. Eventually, we returned to the U.S. and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where our third child was born.
During those years, I became an advocate for newly arrived refugees, providing hospitality and support to families in need. This work was emotionally challenging, and I found balance by returning to my roots as a painter. These experiences inspired the ‘Seeker Series,’ where I began to explore themes of strength, peace, and resilience.
Over the next decade, I exhibited my work across the U.S. and collaborated with galleries and arts organizations, curating and organizing exhibitions at venues such as Fibre Arts Design in Palo Alto, Gallery 85 in San Jose, JCO's Art Haus in Los Gatos, and Anne & Mark's Art Party in San Jose.
A few years ago, my family and I had another opportunity to live and travel abroad. We spent three years living in England, where I established a studio and exhibited with galleries around London. My work continues to be represented in England by The Art Agency through their gallery in Cobham, Surrey and in art fairs throughout the UK.
Now back in California, we have settled in the seaside town of Santa Cruz, where I have set up my studio and opened M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. For more about this ongoing adventure, please visit www.mkcontemporary.art.