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
Melissa was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, where her early love of drawing and painting led her to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts. During that time, she interned with the medical illustration department at Georgetown University, which deepened her understanding of art and anatomy. Further education and career choices took Melissa through graduate school and ten years in the corporate world managing an award winning team of graphic designers, computer artists & animators.
In 1999, Melissa and her husband left the D.C. area with a sense of wanderlust. They started their family abroad—their first daughter was born in Australia, and their second in Paris, France. Eventually, they returned to the U.S. and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where their son was born.
During those years, Melissa became an advocate for newly arrived refugees, providing hospitality and support to families in need. This work was emotionally challenging, and she found balance by returning to her roots as a painter. These experiences inspired her ‘Seeker Series,’ where she began to explore themes of strength, peace, and resilience.
Over the next decade, Melissa exhibited her 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, Melissa and her family had another opportunity to live and travel in Europe. They spent three years in Surrey, England, where she established a studio and exhibited with galleries around London. Her work continues to be represented in the UK by The Art Agency in Esher through gallery exhibits and art fairs.
Now back in California, Melissa has settled in the seaside town of Santa Cruz, where she has set up her studio and opened M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery in the heart of downtown. For more about this ongoing adventure, please visit www.mkcontemporary.art.
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