I am a fibre artist, photographer, gourmet cook, edge dancer and poet living in 
Devon, England. I have been a creative person all of my life. For me, Life and Art are inseparable. My life is my work of art. Each moment of every day I have the opportunity to create.
I am originally from Southern California and moved to the UK from Pasadena about ten years ago. I live in a village on Dartmoor, surrounded by bucolic English countryside with my True Love, Steve, a writer.
My main media are photography, textiles, words and food. I also work with paper and am exploring surface design and video.
buddha
An interview of me and my fibre art with Bonnie McCaffery
Artist’s Statement
I have been an artist all of my life and have been working with fibre since 1997. I love the color and tactile sensuality of fibres and textiles. The process of gathering and stitching together various materials is a metaphor for gathering and piecing together my life experiences.
I am deeply moved by the worlds around me and inside of me. 
My art making comes from a very deep and still place. The art work is successful if another person has been able to see and experience what is beneath the surface, hidden but visible to those who take the time to look and really see.
The primary inspirations for my art work are nature, architecture and urban structures. I begin with an experience, feeling, vision or words that inspire me. I often have a general idea about the color palette, size, materials and structure (2D or 3D) of the piece. During the making of my design, I keep the process fluid enough to respond to how the art work itself will develop. Often the finished piece will have evolved from my initial vision.
15 comments
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November 6, 2006 at 3:23 am
Anthony
Hey
That’s good that you are defining yourself as an artist and poet.
You are.
Have been since I met you, and long before that. Birth,probably.
So when you get down or feel confused, just remember who you are and act accordingly.
May 8, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Gizella
Wonderful to see that your creative journey is bearing inspired fruit. When I met you at the textile Symposium at the NEC last year, you were still contemplating various avenues. My own exploration continues on its way with all its meanderings….some diversions, some soulsearching, some rays of light.
I hope that your Art Money trip is a success. Perhaps we could meet up for a coffee at the Quilt Show in the summer? Stay in touch….Kate
May 24, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Entropy
Hello! Stumbled upon your brilliant blog/photography. To further connect Blake’s vision of art-
“He held that the way to truth and higher consciousness was through the contemplation of art. He proposed that by immersing oneself in art, a person could experience it not just an aesthetic but more akin to the meditative exercise a mystic performs in preparation for achieving a higher state of spiritual enlightenment.
Prayer is the study of Art.
Praise is the practice of Art.
March 4, 2008 at 7:27 am
Therese May
Dear Melinda,
I just finished watching the video of you being interviewed by Bonnie McAffery. Thank you for sharing your inspirational work and philosophy! I really like the “Art Money”! Blessings to you, Therese May
March 4, 2008 at 7:17 am
Daily Guy From Hell
Stumbled upon your blog a week ago and decided to come back. Not for the articles you write, but for how you write them, really amazing stuff you’re doing here, i like how you put information into the articles which makes it much more easier to read and much more interesting of course. Keep up the good work!
April 18, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Hilly B Stevens
Hi Melinda, I enjoy evey thing that you send to me and all the articles you write ; such even to the recipes that I have tried. I also share them with my friend next door and lives in Lancaster, Pa. Who is also an retired art teacher. She really enjoys your accomplisment also. Love Hilly
May 30, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Cate
Hi Melinda,
Please contact me regarding the possibility of showing your studio in an art magazine.
Sincerely,
Cate Prato/Cloth Paper Scissors
July 23, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Tom Schulz
I’m the artist that made the Meyer’s Park Labyrinth in Charlotte, NC. Did you visit there?
October 2, 2008 at 3:15 am
thomas armstrong
Melinda-Nice blog, really quite a nice find for me. I stumbled across it while searching for images of the word’flotilla’. Found your photo of water striders which,quite unexpectedly, fits my intention, with poetic appeal. I’ll explain- I blog here- http://70point8percent.blogspot.com/. Taking a look will help explain. One of the people I’ve been communicating with is starting an interest group around Flotilla’s, defined as waterbourne seafaring intentional communities. Your image and poem I would like to use on my blog announcing this group. It’s perfect. In addition,I’d like to direct my readers to your blog by crediting you and expressing my admiration and excitement about your site. Though I’ve only had time for a glimpse, it’s beautifully done. Not a stranger to the arts myself, my university wasnt, but actually the oldest art school in America, where I studied painting. Now make woodfired ceramic sculpture based on paleo and neo lithic paradigms. Would like permission to post.
October 6, 2008 at 6:18 pm
zensailor
as I mentioned … you and your site have been very inspirational.
for that .. I am grateful and wish you much happiness and reward Melinda.
daniel
October 11, 2008 at 1:43 pm
hawaiianivan
Hi, Nice site! Maybe Fore Street and the West Quarter are at last achieving the sort of critical mass that will draw in ever more independents and second hand stores and we can have a Camden of the West! I got a very lovely Western Shirt in Electric Gypsy, just across the road from Otto and up the Hill – they have some nice stuff too. Ciao.
January 19, 2009 at 7:08 pm
sundaysweetheart
Great blog, I love your pictures. I used one from the “Wineter WOnderland” post on my blog today (sundaysweetheart.wordpress.com), but I put your name in the credit.
Thanks and again, awesome, pictures!!
April 12, 2009 at 4:14 pm
RhiONA Wren
Melinda
I found your site by googling “girl being held by the earth” and the snake picture came up .I copied it just to use as part of a healing process for myself .I live in Pennsylvania and go to Glastonbury regularly .I would love to visit that part of england it sounds luscious .I will look it up on the map .
I am into all things having to do with the rebrirth of the feminine body and conscious to the planet for balance and healing …Love the fiber art Many heart blessings RhiONA
July 21, 2009 at 8:46 am
Tim Sandles
Melinda,
Came across your blog whilst chasing Jay’s Grave (thanks for the link) and am inspired by your photo/silk printing – wouldn’t this truly lend itself to the Dartmoor granite landscape?
Regards,
Tim Sandles
July 21, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Pamela Joan
Dear Melinda
I live in Colorado. My husband teaches every few years in England and I accompany him. I love and miss England very much. Please continue to write as it takes me to places I would so love to see. Your pennings are such a treat for me that on occassion I will sit at my computer, coffee in hand and spend an afternoon exploring, enjoying the woods, solitude and the finery of the English countryside (oh!and the cooking too!)with you. Every time I go to England I feel like I’m connected to my soul again.
Thank you so much.
Pamela