Meet Jela Meli | Artist. Maybe?

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jela Meli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jela, why did you pursue a creative career?

Gosh, so many things. I have been creating art since I was a child. I remember these little sketchbooks that taught you how to draw animals from when I was about 4. I think I just fell in love then. I studied art all the way through high school and then stopped. I always loved creating, but I think life sort of got the best of me.

I have a very uncreative career ( I am an Analyst for Social Services), so about 7 years ago, after a rather difficult time for me, I picked up paints. I had never really painted much before; I was always a pencil girl. Painting sort of helped me work through some of my emotions and trauma. I could release my anxiety onto the canvas, and it was cathartic.

Then. On November 8th, 2018, the Camp Fire ripped through my town (Paradise, CA) and burned my home and about 80% of our town. I lost everything, all of my art, my supplies, and everything else. It was devastating. I almost completely gave up on art. But, I had been following someone on social media who used Procreate and their iPad to create gorgeous, detailed art. After hemming and hawing for a while about the price, I finally took the leap and bought an iPad and Procreate. It was the absolute best thing I have done in decades. Now I can ‘art’ and not worry about losing my work due to natural disasters. I can save everything on the cloud.

I am reinvigorated and reinspired. After sharing some of my work with friends and family, some of my artist friends encouraged me to share with others. So I began to offer my art as prints, T-shirts, and pins. I now have my work on several print-on-demand sites and my own website. I also vend at local events. So while it’s not a career per se, it is definitely a source of joy and excitement.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

The beginning of my story was in the first question, so yes, I absolutely had to own challenges to be where I am creatively. However, I believe those challenges, traumas, and hardships are what mold us, ultimately influencing the art we create, and I am no different. I don’t know if I would be creating at all if it weren’t for those difficult times.

We tell stories with our art.

I don’t know if my art specifically sets me apart from others, but I do feel like I contribute to the art community in a meaningful way. I hope that my art inspires others and that what I do makes people think, smile or feel.

I find inspiration in the darkness of mythology, the beauty of human expression, and our relationship with the natural world. My style is a play on hyperrealism, emphasizing shadow and light, sometimes combining bright colors with muted darkness. I think all of my work circles back to the Divine Feminine in some way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh wow, Chico, CA, is a pretty cool place! We have Bidwell Park – I believe it’s the third largest city park in the US. It’s beautiful and filled with creeks and streams, swimming holes, hiking, and all sorts of cool things. I think that the Chico State campus is gorgeous and is a must-visit, even for a little walk. I would have to take my friend to Farm Star Pizza, the BEST organic pizza around, and Sierra Nevada Brewery! And then for breakfast, Upper Crust Bakery and a browse of the Bookstore (rad used bookstore right next door)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think @ThereSheIsArt has been a source of massive encouragement for me. As well as @Lysified. These ladies are amazing artists and inspirations. I also have to shout out to my son, Simon, My mom, Valerie, and my partner, Shan.

Website: www.jelamonsterart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jelam0nster (that’s a zero and not an ‘o’)

Twitter: @jelamonster

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jelamonster

Other: jelamonster.threadless.com

Image Credits
All images are Copyrighted (c)Jela Meli – you have explicit permission to post or publish