Artist Profile: Melinda Asztalos

 
The Secret Garden

Artist: Melinda Asztalos
Websites:
Artistika Gallery
Artistika

Melinda, how do you describe your work?
My work is best described as Multi Media. An integration of text and image is always present behind the thought process of each piece. Texture is also an important part of my paintings as it ads layers of richness as well as visual interest. Layering through the process of collage is encorporated into each piece. The essence of each piece is rooted in the desire to evoke a positive and uplifting feeling.

Orchid 2

What is your creative process like? 
My creative process is similar to the process I utilize with graphic design.  Everything begins with the desire to express an idea and how to translate that into a positive, balanced and harmonious visual work of art.  I choose the size, think of the key elements and decide on a clearly definable element (with exception to abstract work) that will be the focal point. I break down the space of the canvas into graphic elements and decide on the composition. These decisions are a base point that ground the thinking behind the piece, they are not rigid and fixed. Everything during painting and planning is open to inspiration and ideas shift and develop throughout the process which allows freedom for innovation.

Certain materials (such as japanese papers, textures, dried flowers) are all on the table and they are utilized as the painting takes shape.

I prefer to work with music for the first several hours and then I prefer silence.

I will work for as many hours as it takes to complete the first, second and third phase. The first phase is the acrylic phase whereby all the background is painted and the composition is laid out. The second phase is the collage phase, where all the texure, paper etc. is applied to the canvas. The third phase is the oil phase, where the painting is brought to life with detail and the richness of oil application. There are breaks between each phase sometimes for as long as 12 hours (depending on time restrictions or drying time)

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry? 
Besides having a BFA and being a senior graphic designer for 18 years, painting was just the next logical step in the evolution of my creative expression. Design is not just a hobby or a profession, for me, it is an integral part of my life.  Whether I am designing the interior of a space, creating a brochure or painting on canvas, I am doing what it is that I love to do; that being creating something beautiful out of nothing. My paintings have evolved over the years with practice, observation, travel and the experimentation of different media.

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
Paper and my computer – in that order.

Earth series

What inspires you to create? 
The desire to try something new, to push the boundries. Everything that I see that is beautiful to me has within it a message of possibility.  Inspiration hits me at the oddest moments when painting and if I cannot go with it at the moment, I need to jot it down for the future. In the world of advertising and design – inspiration is necessary and must come quickly, and after awhile it is something that is second nature. I don’t have to struggle to be inspired – it is always readily available – I just focus on being open to it.

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
The only thing that is frustrating while painting is the obstacle of not being able to manifest what I see in my mind and put it into form on canvas.  This is never a problem because there is always a solution – always.  Sometimes it just takes staring at the canvas for awhile until the solution becomes obvious. Sometimes you can’t find a way out of a design challenge, but there is always a way through it.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Never give up. Figure out what it is that you really want – what do you really want to achieve with your work? think about this in depth. Then do some research – take a look at how other people are doing things – be inspired by those that you admire and pinpoint the unique way in which you see things and how you communicate what you see – and keep moving forward.  Even small steps taken in the right direction are powerful, they lead to the evolution of your own language. Practice your skill, try differen t things. 

Relax and have fun, if you are loving what you are doing it is impossible not to rise in your level of artistry.

Change

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?

My life is divided into 4 major categories 1) Raising my daughter in a conscious way and teaching her to follow her dream 2) Graphic design, as it is my profession 3) Painting, as it is my nature to do what I love 4) Creating and promoting positive parenting techniques that are designed to inspire and uplift through Life Positive By Design, a company that I have created.

What are some of your other favorite things?
I’m loving sweets, perhaps a bit to much! Favorite book – (really hard to choose) The Man Who Listens to Horses, by Monty Roberts – favorite colour – the colour of my dauhter’s eyes when she was 2 weeks old – periwinkle blue.