Melanie Parke is a painter with an extensive exhibition record and an incredible eye which has resulted in not only making amazing work but also a solid and inspirational curatorial resume. She created The Provincial, an artist-run project space & curatorial program committed to camaraderie and intellectual verve. Her and her husband, the painter Richard Kooyman, are devoted to supporting artists in new and experimental work. They believe experiencing artist-driven endeavors is to glimpse the heart of raw creativity and it is regenerative to community, culture, and humanity. They champion friendship, collaboration, and highly curated shows throughout the year. Small gatherings, performances and community events accompany each artistic production. Existing between private, public and online spaces, they welcome artists, guest curators, friends and curious visitors with rural hospitality.
In this episode we talk about:
22:00 Growing up in an idyllic setting
24:00 Overcoming abuse with art
28:00 Going to art school
35:00 Landscape painting vs going into the studio
36:00 Moving to Michigan, waiting tables and painting nature
39:00 Air and light in her work
39:51 Hans Hoffman
42: 20 Susanna Coffey
46:15 The process of her day
48:43 The Provencial
51:08 Julie Torres
1 hour 7: Books
1hr 10 :Advice and Feminist Bussiness School
LINKS:
Books/Writers:
Sponsored by Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax! Giving artists the financial tools to make brave work.
