21 Under 31 | Katie Melanson

CANADA

ART EDUCATION: Academy of Realist Art, Toronto.

STYLE: At the moment my style is best described as realist, but I love many different styles and believe that over time I will experiment with a range of them.

Everlasting Moments, oil, 14 x 16.

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WINNING PAINTING: The photograph in the background was my primary inspiration. It is a photo of my dad as a boy, fishing with his father. They are in the shadows, and it could be any father and child. I wanted to create a story around that relationship. I added my grandfather’s old fly rod and leather fly pouch. It is a very sentimental piece for me. I grew up fly fishing with my family every summer in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I have wonderful memories of being on the river with my dad, fishing together and listening to stories about him fishing with his father. I wanted to capture the timeless bond between father and child and the connectivity of our memories over the three generations.

SECOND-CHOICE CAREER: Chiropractor or medical illustrator.

BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: A Michael Jordan quote that resonated for me throughout my university varsity athletic career: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others make it happen.” It’s advice that carries over to all aspects of life.

CREATIVE SPARK: Objects speak to me. They are symbolic. I feel inspired to paint something that expresses their meaning.

ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I like to write. I’m working on a children’s book with my dog Olive as the main character.

PET PEEVE: When I’m working with natural light and I’m not able to finish the area I’m working on before the sun goes down.

FUTURE GOALS: To stay open to the world around me, to never stop learning, and to express what I learn. To paint pieces that will resonate and compel people to examine them long after I’m gone.

PRICE RANGE: $1,000 to $12,000.

REPRESENTATION: www.katiemelanson.wordpress.com.