Melanie Redman

I remember enjoying painting at a young age. Paint-by-numbers would keep me occupied for hours. It wasn't until I was a young adult that I picked up a brush in a more serious way. Along with my writing, meditation practice, and nature - painting became my medicine.

I am a self taught artist. Although, I can't take all the credit. Both formal training videos and live feeds produced by other artists are immensely helpful in my learning process.

I enjoy painting nature, I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world. Plants and birds are some of my favourite subjects. However, a few of my paintings are based on images that come to me in dreams or in meditation and their painting processes are most instrumental in my soul treatment and the getting to know my Manitou.

I began my spiritual journey as a young adult, not so intentionally at first. What started as a search for natural anxiety and addiction treatments lead me to meditation, Ra (the law of one), and discovering my families Indigenous culture - buried so many generations ago. The death of my father only sent me deeper in exploration. Painting has been a critical tool in processing and expression during a painful and rewarding journey.

Watercolor has been my preferred medium. The natural flow and rhythms of water is as powerful as it is playful. I find it comforting; it reminds me to be patient and let go. Only when I try to control it too much, am I unhappy with the result.

I want my art to demonstrate the natural strength and beauty in the world, flaws and all.

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Melanie Redman