We recently connected with Melanie Brock and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My background has been a journey. When I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I took a wide variety of courses trying to find a major that stuck. I ended up eventually deciding on business and I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Business Management. I then entered the workforce for a few years. Eventually I decided that I should build some more specific skills so I got a certificate in project management.
Around that same time, an architecture masters program was being developed in my hometown of Columbus, IN through Indiana University. I had been interested in architecture in high school and this program allowed me to apply without a background in architecture. I developed a portfolio over the course of a few months and applied. I was accepted along with 23 others from a wide variety of backgrounds.
This program is unique in that its curriculum focuses not only on architecture, but visual art. I had no background in either architecture or visual art at the time. To say that the first few months of this program was challenging would be an understatement, but I had a wonderful cohort to collaborate with and incredible faculty to support me along the way.
In 2019 I realized that I was becoming passionate about the visual art aspect of the program. I began to put more and more energy into the art that I was creating and by the end of the program (graduated in 2021) I had decided that I needed to pursue my art practice professionally. Coming from a small town in Indiana, my partner and I decided that we needed to move to a larger city. After much research and exploration we ended up making the move to New York.
Since coming to New York, I have found an incredible art community and more opportunity than I ever expected. I’ve been practicing art for five years now and I am so grateful that I found my passion and purpose in life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Through abstract oil painting and photography, my work captures an archive of moments shared by the built environment and humanity. The pairing of these two mediums tells a rich story of these moments, through expression, energy, mood, color, figure, scale and light and form. These moments often include things such as the zones between public and private, shifting boundaries, creation and destruction, visual and auditory privacy, environmental conditions, routine and human connection.
The urban context within a city like New York is constantly evolving. Our priorities, laws, social expectations, cultural norms, safety rules and regulations, scale of occupiable spaces, and nature in the city are just a few of the things that impact how, when and where these moments form. My hope is that the stories captured through the pairing of these mediums make up an archive that tells a story that we can all relate to.
To stay informed about my work and upcoming events follow me on Instagram and find me at my website:
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/m.brock.creative
Website:
www.melanie-brock.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would say the qualities that have best served me and helped me to get to where I am, have been self-discipline, introspection and self-awareness and open-mindedness to feedback. For me, these things have kept me focused on my journey and helped me to continue to pursue my passion over time.
Self-discipline has kept me showing up to my studio and engaging with the art community and pursuing opportunities even when I didn’t feel like it or I was discouraged by something at the time. I would say this is something that takes practice to develop. Being passionate about what you’re working on helps, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you need a day off or if you miss a deadline along the way, that’s also part of it. Set a routine and keep a clear calendar/list of tasks or deadlines that you’re trying to meet. I know it sounds kind of cliché, but just showing up is half the battle.
Self-awareness has been essential to my journey because as an artist if I don’t understand how I’m feeling or what I’m trying to express through my art then the result often misses my own expectations. I try to continuously revisit the ideas and concepts that I am exploring. I spend a lot of time writing, thinking and looking. I think these are often undervalued tasks because they sometimes don’t feel tangible or productive, but they often lead to better understanding and stronger work over time. Take your time and pursue the things that are most important to you first and foremost.
Be open to feedback from others. Taking in information from trusted peers, mentors, friends, family, etc. is often very helpful. Especially when working on a creative endeavor, it can be easy to miss certain aspects because what is clear or obvious to you may be more challenging for someone outside of your practice to understand. Your community is a place that can offer a great deal of value on a wide variety of topics. That being said, I do believe that it is important to consider the source with all feedback and make sure that there is balance between meeting others’ expectations and staying true to your own values and intentions.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My partner DJ has been my foundation for the past 14 years. He has supported me through every stage of life. He is always pushing me to better myself – from personal self-improvement to academic achievement to professional growth – he is always there.
When I decided to pursue the architecture program, he was the first to encourage me to apply. When I had to develop a portfolio from nothing, he helped teach me new skills, such as CAD design and 3D printing. When I said that I wanted to pursue art full time, he said yes absolutely, how can I help. When we needed to move to a larger city, he did tons of research to help us find the right place for us and then made it happen.
Time and time again he has shown up and stood by me to make this crazy journey and adventure that we can share in together. He inspires me with his resiliency, passion, ability to learn, optimism and dedication to making the most out of each day. I would never have done half of the things that I have without him by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melanie-brock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.brock.creative
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1742720794/3d-qr-key-chain-dual-sided-qr-code-for?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=qr+code+keychain&ref=sr_gallery-1-28&frs=1&content_source=59b31f15790a286b6a0050597746ca4941ffd428%253A1742720794&search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
