Melissa Parent

Third Planet Blues

Inspired by: Winslow Homer, Gathering Berries Laura McPhee, The Blue Lagoon Harvey Sadow, Fire and Flood/Sacred Sites

mixed media collage on wood

12″ x 30″

2023

Third Planet Blues is a work that explores the beauty of Earth’s natural life cycles, decay and rebirth into renewed resources. These resources are essential to our existence and maintaining the biodiversity which makes the third planet so special. This work depicts the feeling of nature’s constant motion showing both power and fragility in a delicate balance of rejuvenation.

@mparent_art

Melissa Parent

Forage On

Mixed Media on Wood Panel

16″ x 16″

2022

The still life Picknicking with Peony invites you to share in a moment of quite reflection, contemplation, conversation, and tea. It is an invitation to slow down and to reconnect with your senses.

@mparent_art

Melissa Parent

Apothecary Slumber

mixed media on wood

10″ x 20″

2024

Apothecary Slumber is a work that references a certain dreamlike feeling we may get when we let memory and sensation come together. A deep breath in might evoke a necessary nostalgia, if we allow smell and atmosphere to be absorbed inward. Magic happens when allowing ourselves to feel the moment that we cannot always change. Embracing what is, we might find a strength, a solace, and perhaps create ourselves a sanctuary for growth.

@mparent_art

Melissa Parent

Blood, Sweat, & Tears

Inspired by: Henry George Todd, Study of Strawberries Justin Walker, Daddy Bruce Unknown Artist, English Teapot

mixed media collage, with acrylic, watercolor, embroidery

20″ x 24″

2024

Blood, Sweat and Tears, is a piece that reflects both the vibrant, luscious aspect of food as well as the darker mystery about how it gets to our plates. When presenting food and consuming food, there is a sensual nature present. We eat with our eyes, we lust after our food. Often we forget how much labor it involves. Pests, rot, disease, injuries, dirt all accompany the harvest, then again in the kitchen, creating and recipe writing. Love and heartbreak come into play, passing down family recipes, trying new things or failing, as we strive for perfection and illusion.

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