“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way—things I had no words for.”
-Georgia O’Keeffe
About Me
I’m Melissa McGlenn, a multifaceted artist driven by a desire to create beauty through painting, jewelry design, digital art, clay sculpting, and mixed media collage. My journey as an artist is a continuous exploration of creativity, receiving inspiration from the transformative power of nature and my own personal healing experiences.
Growing up amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Central Oregon and Southeast Alaska, I discovered early on the profound beauty of the natural world. These environments have significantly influenced my art, where I strive to capture their raw essence in every piece.
Creative expression is not just my profession; it’s my life purpose. Through my art, I seek to evoke a sense of solidarity, resilience, and compassion, weaving personal stories of trials and triumphs into my creations.
Adopted at age 7, I learned to overcome adversity and draw strength from my experiences. My upbringing in two families, along with my combined total of eleven siblings and twenty-four nieces and nephews, has given me a rich tapestry of relationships and memories. From berry picking in bear-populated areas to catching my first king salmon, my childhood in Alaska was filled with magnificent adventures that continue to inspire my work.
My love for travel and learning has taken me around the world. As an exchange student in Russia, an au-pair in Egypt, and later living in Italy for three years, these diverse cultures that have enriched my artistic perspective.
“The power of our dreams and the creativity we employ can break the chains of injustice and oppression”
-Desmond Tutu
Current Endeavors
In 2012, I returned to Oregon to build my business, Inspired Melissa. Here, I combine my passion for the creative arts, community building, and helping others. Inspired by the heart-centered way that women lead, I am dedicated to supporting them as they define and build their dream businesses, making a positive impact in the world.
In 2020, I married the most amazing man, and together we nurture a blended family with four wonderful boys. Our home is a haven of love, safety, and encouragement, and I am proud to be a boy mom. I believe it is part of my sacred purpose to raise them into emotionally intelligent and loving men. My parents taught me that the best lessons are learned in the wild of nature, and I carry this philosophy forward by taking the boys on annual outdoor adventures in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Balancing my personal and professional life, I find joy in gardening, canoeing with my husband, and painting. Currently, I am learning alla prima oil painting and delving into genealogy, medicinal plants, and teaching myself to play the piano. The process of learning alla prima oil painting has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to embrace spontaneity and boldness in my work.
Through all these endeavors, I stay motivated and inspired by the belief that creativity knows no bounds. Each new project and interest adds a unique thread to the tapestry of my life, enriching my journey as an artist, a mother, and a woman dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
