Meet Melissa Schainker

We recently connected with Melissa Schainker and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
An artist thrives on individuality. If we look to the voices from the past, the most successful painters, musicians and pioneers in the arts have always marched to the beat of their own drum. I always made art and music from a very young age. I have this innate desire to create. Often that meant I was “the odd duck” and the person who chose the path least taken.

I was born to very young parents, who had to work hard to create a life for my sisters and I. My extended family consists of many self-made builders, engineers and musicians. My dad started a small business as a carpenter. I grew up helping paint, build and even answer phones for his company. This small business savvy has bled into my own practice as a fine artist. I’m not afraid to do the dirty work. This also fostered a sense of independence.

Part of the reason I feel comfortable being the outlier is based on how much I’ve moved in pursuit of art. I was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and before landing in New York I lived in four other cities – Evansville, Edwardsville, St. Louis and San Francisco. Each place shaped me in different ways. It also helped me gain the confidence to be “the new kid.” When exhibiting art, this gives me an unusual perspective. We all bring our experiences into art. The artists I have admired most have been in constant motion, overcame adversity and see the world in a different light. When you are forced to reintroduce yourself and learn a new place, it’s easier to be an outsider. I’ve found my strength in storytelling – visually, musically and verbally has grown through this momentum.

While much of my success has come from hard work, I absolutely credit it to having a unique voice and perspective. I don’t see art that derives from the same influences and style choices as mine. I have a recognizable aesthetic that is unique to me. I firmly believe in art, authenticity will always thrive. This is why I don’t fear being the only one in a room who looks like me. That is my strength.

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?
I am a full-time fine artist. I am the sole owner of my studio, in charge of all day-to-day operations, artwork creation, gallery relations and design. I have been fortunate to exhibit globally and have been recognized for my work in many publications, including recently in House and Garden Magazine, Shout Out LA and Canvas Rebel.

I describe my art as figurative surrealism, as I’m trying to capture the physical form and the subconscious simultaneously. I’m not afraid to explore the darker depths of the mind. Often my work focuses on anxiety. I am particularly intrigued by hands and gestures,

I am getting ready to present a new body of work at a solo exhibition, “Blue Valentines” in the Brooklyn Navy Yard at DSGNRR Gallery in February. It will be my first solo show in two years. I’ve partnered with Louis Angel of Guerrilla Art Shows and Tyler Jordan of C.A.N.V.A.S. Design Shop to create this exhibition. Moving forward from there, I will be at Artexpo New York with Hudson River Collective, headed by Nathanael Cox and San Francisco Art fair with AC Latin Contemporary Art Gallery. I am grateful to have these opportunities moving into 2024.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Tenacity, pursuit of knowledge and my gift of gab have been essential elements to my success in the art world. I work every day in some capacity. Whether it’s promotions, drawing or networking, that drive is constant. Some may call it stubborn, but I have found that it keeps me moving. It also builds momentum for future projects.

I also firmly believe study and practice to be key. I draw every day, I read about technique, take supplemental courses and strive to learn all I can about art. I take this approach to music too, which I describe as the creative outlet to my main creative outlet. I practice guitar every single day and find it fuels my painting.

I always tell younger artists to speak to everyone about their art. You never know who it will inspire, who your audience is and who you will engage by being open. I’ve found my best connections and collectors to have evolved out of chance encounters.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I’m currently reading “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. My fascination with music has always fueled my art. He has broken down creative pursuits into little snippets of advice. I’m particularly intrigued by a technique he suggests and I have yet to try. He advises artists to take a pillow and for five minutes straight, go full force and punch it, in order to access rage – then go and create. I would be interested to attempt this. I’m no stranger to exploring darker themes in my work and I’m curious to see what this would bring out in me. I’ll give it a go and report back soon.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Hideki Aono, Justin Muñoz

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