About

 

Hi, I’m Melissa — an artist working in batik, photography, and printmaking, shaped by saltwater, wild places, and the way art helps us make sense of our lives as they change.

I grew up in Alaska, where the coastlines, long winters, and stubborn wildness taught me to pay attention to small details: the way light hits water, the rhythm of tides, the quiet stories inside the natural world. After earning my MFA in Idaho, I found my way to the Pacific Northwest, where the ocean finally became an everyday companion instead of a distant memory.

This past year shifted my work in a big way. I lost my dog — my constant shadow — and at the same time became scuba certified. One chapter closed, and a new one opened underwater. Diving has reshaped the way I see color, texture, and movement. Every time I’m below the surface, I feel like I’m entering another universe: suspended in quiet, surrounded by strange and brilliant life. That sense of wonder has become the heart of my art.

My work now blends traditional techniques with the stories I find in tide pools, currents, and the deep blue spaces most people never get to see. Whether I’m creating intricate batiks, photographing a fleeting underwater moment, or building prints inspired by octopus encounters, my goal is simple:

to spark curiosity and help people feel more connected to the marine world that’s shaping me.

When I’m not creating, you’ll find me at the beach every day, exploring the PNW coastline, or continuing my scuba adventures — always looking for the next moment of inspiration.

For inquiries or commissions, reach out anytime:

sacralocean@gmail.com