Biography

Melissa's journey in Metalsmithing started in Boston, nestled away in the crooked streets of the North End at North Bennet Street School. Later, she refined her skills and vision by studying sculpture at The Museum School of Fine Arts. The opportunity to increase her scale was exciting, but she found she was more intrigued by the intimate scale of working small. Melissa's award-winning works are intimate sculptures to adorn the body and encompass her appreciation for organic forms and playful design. Each piece is lovingly made by hand. Melissa currently lives in Central Vermont where she make my one of a kind pieces in her converted barn studio.

Artist Statement

My process is entirely spontaneous. I don’t plan or sketch out my ideas, and most often, I don’t know what a piece will become until the very last moment. I am always in motion in the studio- hammering, sawing, and soldering in a flurry of activity. The process of hand fabricating allows me to work intuitively, letting one thing lead to the next and welcoming the element of surprise. My work comes to life organically, each piece slowly revealing its own personality. As I manipulate my materials, I aim to create movement and space within a solid form. The challenges of engineering these intimate sculptures excite me. I am drawn to the inherent obsessiveness of crafting these minute compositions, always seeking a balance between precision and chaos. It’s my intention to continuously evolve in my studio practice, ensuring that no two pieces are ever alike. Each one is exquisitely unique—truly one of a kind. You’ll find playful spinning circles, sprouting appendages, and hidden curiosities in unfussy designs meant to be worn, bring joy, and be treasured.