Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Turner Drumm.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a painter and printmaker for many years, I have enjoyed combining techniques of both practices. By inventing my own wax drawing and blow torch process, I then later etch and engrave many substrates including nickel, aluminum and large sheets Of roofing copper. Most recently, my work has moved into the 3d realm which is exciting for me since I have always envisioned becoming a sculptor! As a current artist in residence at the new Cedars Union Arts Incubator in the Cedars part of Dallas, all kinds of new equipment has been made accessible. Particularly a 3d printer to print maquettes to then create lost wax bronze pieces. It is always exciting to learn and incorporate new ways to make new work. As seen in the photos provided, there are a range of mediums with the same fertility and family egg which is a longstanding theme of my work.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t believe any individual path is smooth especially when one is constantly striving to find new ways of expressing a singular vision. There have been brief bouts of giving up however, a natural stubborn streak kicks in to start over. It’s in the determination that gives me strength to bomb and occasionally finish something worth the effort. A few weeks ago, I poured hydrocal, a fine alabaster powder, into a mold and it was too fragile to sustain the delicate lace form. So, next on the agenda is quick-drying concrete!
Since June, it has taken four to five times to chrome spray, sand and heat five new pieces for an upcoming show at The MAC called Hyper-Local.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
It has been through conscious effort as an Artist to make new works in a variety of techniques. I enjoy making the unexpected with a more quiet sublime thoughtfulness. Humor is usually incorporated whether by title or in imagery. Mother of Jeff is pictured in chromatic colors often used by Jeff Koons. But this ties into my Women with power (or Ova if you will) thread because every male originates from a mother. While this pokes fun at our male demogogery in the art world it’s also meant to wonderful in its own way, too. Humor and reductive imagery are my tells.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas is full of energized people with many different interests. A lot of people are vested in raising their families here and house proud as a result. It’s been great to place many works within the homes of new and established collectors alike. After living in New Orleans, London, New York and Los Angeles I think we can fully embrace Dallas as an international cultural hub. I would like for us to hold our heads high about all of our advances in housing, education, the arts, the best medical care possible and a great working economy.
Pricing:
- 1,200
- 18,000
Contact Info:
- Website: Melissaturnerdrumm.com
- Phone: 2142369068
- Email: arabellaben@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: melissaturnerdrumm
- Facebook: Melissa Turner Drumm
Image Credit:
Melissa Turner Drumm photography
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