Melissa Sixma
| | ArtHaus selected Melissa Sixma as our featured Young Artist in this issue of ArtHaus Talks.
Melissa is graduating from Spruce Creek High School and plans to attend Savannah College of Art & Design to earn a art degree.
Over the past 4 years Melissa has been a outstanding volunteer for ArtHaus, a YAK (Youth ArtHaus Kommittee) member, a Street Painting artist and displayed her art in many ArtHaus exhibitions.
We believe Melissa is exceptionally talented and has the potential to succeed in her chosen field.
Best wishes to you from ArtHaus.
We interviewed Melissa for this article, although not all of it could fit in the newsletter, we have posted the entire interview here.
What is your earliest art memory?
My earliest "art" memory is drawing fashion designs with my older sister, Lauren.
What helped you to decide to go into to art as a career?
I decided to go into art as a career because it's the only thing I feel confident enough doing with my life. It'd the thing I've practiced longer than anything, and the most familiar way I can express myself.
What kind of art career are you hoping / planning for?
The kind of art career that I'd like to have is one based on illustration, but not limited to it. I want to be involved in many different visual projects while having one main job that I stick to.
What was it like to have your own art exhibit during your Senior year?
The "Just People" show with Danny Skelley was awesome. I can't thank ArtHaus enough for letting me exhibit there. Also, the show gave me more confidence in getting myself "out there," and recognized in the community as a real artist.
What benefits did you realize participating as an artist in the ArtHaus Street Painting?
I realized that it was a fun way to get really dirty...and, the rain that came down on the artwork every year was a good experience to help me not become too attached to my artwork. I was also able to work with my friends, meet other amazing artists (some who had traveled many miles just to be in ArtHaus' Streetpainting), see really cute dogs, meet people from the Port Orange community, and overall, I just loved being able to do something 'big'--something in a greater scale and different medium and environment.
How many years did you do that?
Four years--every year of high school.
Who is your most admired artist?
There are many, and I can't pick only one. I'll name some of my favorites: Phil Hansen, Joe Sorren, Vik Muniz, Norman Rockwell, Sara Campbell.
Where are you going to get your art degree?
The Savannah College of Art and Design, in Georgia. I went there last summer for a five-week summer program called Rising Star. I took a drawing class and a photo class, and I was really able to build up my portfolio. I also made some great friends, and I excited about going to school with them in the fall.
Do you have any advice for young artists?
You shouldn't assume you can't do something. Fear is only an excuse. And, whether you succeed or not is up to you.
How would you describe your style or goal as an artist?
I want to make people think and step outside of narrow-mindedness. I want people to observe and come up with more answers than one, accept that there is no one answer, and apply it toward other things.
Who do you feel has helped you realize your artistic self ?
My family--my parents and my sister are artistic individuals, all in their own way, which has always been and will continue to be inspiring. My friends have also been great at exposing me to different artistic ways and ideas. Also, my teachers: Ms. Miles, Ms. Jesup, and Mr. Bryson have been the best of the best in regards to art instruction and support.
Thanks again Mrs. Ring! :]
Melissa
Gary Libby, Melissa Sixma, Laurie Ring @ ArtHaus
Miss Proportioned (Galatea)
By Melissa Sixma
More of Melissa's art HERE.
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