Interview
Melissa Allegories
Melissa Hernandez, also known in the artistic realm as Melissa Allegories, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with ancestry in the Dominican Republic. In 2011, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, concentrating on drawing, painting, and printmaking, from Florida Atlantic University. There, she developed her distinctive artistic style and graduated magna cum laude. As a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Melissa aspires to become an influential artist who inspires other leaders, advocates, and the community at large. Her vocation is to create aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating works of art and support services that positively impact humanity.
Melissa was awarded the Broward County Cultural Division's Artists Support Grant in September 2023 to advance her project, "At the Garden," which serves humanity through human ingenuity and the storytelling arts. Melissa's ongoing project, MelissAllegories, is an evolving narrative unfolding across five interconnected worlds, each presenting unique characters and settings intricately interwoven to convey a myriad of metaphors. This collection comprises five interconnected worlds within an overarching realm named Lében, the German word for Life. Central to Lében, "At the Garden'' explores human values like hope, inspiring self-actualization and human flourishing. This narrative delves into themes of personal growth and enlightenment through temperance, emphasizing harmony within us and manifesting "the greater good" in the tangible world. Eudaimonia, a central concept in Aristotle's ethics, translates to "human flourishing." "At the Garden" considers the notion of eudaimonia and focuses on temperance, harmony, enlightenment, self-actualization, and human flourishing. Melissa's artwork blends creative writing with allegorical representations, subconsciously influenced by boundless ideas drawn from American culture, universal themes, and an openness to foreign ideologies. Her pieces combine figurative or representational imagery, varying line weight, and quality to imply space and movement using non-linear or atmospheric perspective. She integrates overlapping imagery and uses organic and geometric shapes, employing a push-and-pull technique. Her work focuses on ethical insights, patterns in nature, and harmony with all things.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“About two years ago, I was amid the riskiest endeavor I had ever undertaken, yet I had no idea of the amount of risk and challenges ahead. I completed an influential leadership program with the National Society of Leadership and Success, which propelled me to push against the grain, challenge the status quo, and dive deep into myself to discover my true interests and passions. This journey led to the creation of Smile Sweet Sunflower LLC. What's the point of creating an LLC? Many people see no point in creating an LLC; to each their own. I was stagnant for years! I couldn’t get myself to paint or draw because art was never just a hobby or a source of pleasure for me. Art and design were tools - tools that allowed me to communicate something important and impactful. I’m not the most skilled artist in the traditional sense - that’s a given.
What I am is a visionary and a designer. As an artist, I create illustrations based on ideas and reference my designs to execute them. My focus is on contemporary and illustrative techniques, using my unique approach to bring my visions to life. Simply put, what drives me is the work itself, not just the pastime aspect. I understand that this can be a double-edged sword, as pastime activities can build useful skills over time. Unfortunately for me, it was all or nothing! On the other hand, spending time outdoors and immersing myself in gardens is my hedonism and pastime pleasure. What a way to merge the two, huh? I needed to create this LLC to make it feel real and hold myself accountable. I made an investment - one hell of an investment - since 2022. I later attended Business Skills for Creatives in June 2024. This program pushed me to not only understand my current state but also take crucial actions for maintaining stability and aiming for growth. From the first session onward, it was transformative. Writing the first draft of my business and action plan was exhausting, but I couldn't have done it without George Gadson's inspiring guidance and Rafael Cruz's tough love and credibility. There were many other great speakers, as well as valuable tools and insights shared.
I'm incredibly grateful to Grants Administrator James Shermer, Office Support Specialist Janet Ellison, the Broward County Cultural Division, and everyone who attended, participated, educated, and made this opportunity possible.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I originally approached my artistic journey with the mindset that even if nothing came of it, at least I tried. I'm driven by the purpose of my work, although I anticipated making sales and seeing immediate returns. What I didn't anticipate was the reality of what it takes to achieve a return from art making, and it wasn’t what I imagined at all. In a previous interview with VoyageMia, I mentioned the distinct circles artists often find themselves in: the “party art” circle, focused on entertainment and socializing; the “political art” circle, centered on social issues and activism; and the “spiritual-philosophical art” circle, which resonates most with me. I am particularly interested in “secular spirituality,” a journey of spiritual inquiry independent of any specific religious tradition, drawing wisdom from various perspectives, including Stoicism. This approach resonates with empowerment, self-reflection, perseverance, and healing. People will see what they want to see; what’s most important is to speak your truth to the best of your ability and give it your all. I believe that by healing yourself, you heal others. I am committed to creating meaningful works of art - not just to entertain, but to inspire and make a positive impact on the world. After spending countless hours researching, sorting through information, and extracting insights for clarity, healing, and creative inspiration, the experience has been far from pleasant. I hope its value is recognized and appreciated, leading to long-term revenue generation for growth and sustainability.
Great rewards come with great challenges! I'd like to note two types of artists in the context of business: the social media and e-commerce artist and the affluent collector’s artist. Some artists can excel at being both, while others may never become either - leaving them with only one other option: a job outside of their passion project to support their endeavors. This is where I am currently at - let’s be honest.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My approach is a delicate balance between methodical planning and spontaneous inspiration. Ideas emerge spontaneously, laying the groundwork for compositions that intricately weave together ethics, harmony, and nature. I meticulously document these ideas, relying on words and descriptive sentences to form the basis for my visual illustrations, often fusing images in the form of allegories or a string of metaphors to craft compelling narratives. During the preliminary stages, I sketch out individual components, utilizing acetate sheets or tracing paper to seamlessly merge them into cohesive environments or compositions, always mindful of the principles and elements of art. My painting style involves a fusion of geometric and organic shapes, enhanced by solid harmonious colors and occasional gradients for nuanced experiences. Varied line-weight serves as a tool for suggesting spatial dimensions and movement, while wash and dry brush techniques introduce diversity.
The strategic use of shades serves to enhance focal points, intricately woven with detailed patterns. My exploration goes beyond traditional mediums; it extends into the realm of higher technology. Operating within the realm of indirect art, my objective is to construct narratives that are perceived through the senses, contributing to humanity through the storytelling arts. My focus is on crafting messages that are both ethical and meaningful, with the belief that art should carry intrinsic value and intellectual depth. It transcends mere aesthetics; it should be a profound reflection shared with others. My work embodies a stylized form of symbolist art, embracing creative freedom to convey interconnected ideas through representational imagery, varying line-weight, and the interplay of organic and geometric shapes. This synthesis encapsulates the essence of my artistic process, philosophy, and the unique blend of elements found in my work.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“In the art world, I'm less interested in following trends and more focused on exploring what's beyond the mainstream and meaningful to me. When a trend becomes too popular, it often leads to predictability, which can stifle creativity. I'm drawn to uncovering hidden narratives and exploring insights which arise from personal experiences. I believe that while trends and conformity have their place in helping society function smoothly by maintaining social norms, stepping outside the boundaries of what's expected serves humanity through human ingenuity. Finding and embracing what is unique to us not only brings more joy into our lives but also allows us to see our differences as strengths. These strengths, which we bring into the world, contribute to self-actualization and human flourishing. We should strive to compete against ourselves - be the best version of ourselves, and then everyone wins. I would love to see a world where we value each other's differences instead of trying to be replicas of others, which often leads to insecurity. Let’s focus on who we are and what makes us individually great. I admire that people possess different traits and strengths than I do. However, trusting my introverted intuition can be challenging, as it often comes with a heightened sense of awareness that compels me to take action.”
“My approach is a delicate balance between methodical planning and spontaneous inspiration. Ideas emerge spontaneously, laying the groundwork for compositions that intricately weave together ethics, harmony, and nature.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“In September 2023, I was honored to receive the Broward County Cultural Division's Artists Support Grant for my project, At the Garden, which aims to serve humanity through the storytelling arts. MelissAllegories is an evolving narrative that spans five interconnected worlds, each with its own unique characters and settings. This narrative explores fundamental human values such as hope, self-actualization, and human flourishing. Central to this work is At the Garden, which delves into themes of personal growth and enlightenment through temperance, emphasizing harmony and the greater good. Additionally, my project Eudaimonia serves as a platform for artistic growth and experimentation, particularly through relief painting. This marks a pivotal chapter in my artistic journey and is designed to elevate my business, Smile Sweet Sunflower LLC, while enriching my career as an artist. The theme of “racing against time” encapsulates life’s journey and the fleeting nature of existence, underscoring the importance of cherishing every moment. Through my art, I strive to transcend religious boundaries, promoting unity and empathy with a distinctive spiritual and philosophical depth. I use techniques such as dry brush, stenciling, sign-painting, rosemaling, and relief painting, working with Lefranc & Bourgeois Flashe Vinyl Paint and Golden Fluid Acrylics.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I am inventing a fictitious world to communicate secular, ethical, and logical principles. Everyone wrestles with their own sins while striving to exercise virtues. Both virtues and vices can evolve over time, with one often proving more prevalent and challenging than others. How we grapple with these challenges can vary greatly from person to person; what may be primary for one could be secondary or tertiary for another. Even sins, when practiced with moderation and diligence, can reveal virtues. For instance, excessive pride can manifest as arrogance, yet a balanced amount is essential for confidence. Art and design are tools - tools that allow me to communicate something important and impactful. I am creating meaningful works of art - not just to entertain, but to inspire and make a positive impact on the world. In my quest to understand love, empathy, and to overcome codependency, I found myself confronting lust. Unwanted attention from lustful and insecure individuals only intensified my struggle. Although I navigated this journey swiftly and avoided much potential damage to my self-esteem, dignity, and self-compassion, I faced significant challenges from late childhood (around 11 or 12 years old) through adolescence. During this time, I encountered stalking, sexual coercion, and unwelcome advances from older men.
There were terrifying moments when I had to escape from strangers, feeling their unsettling presence looming behind me. On one occasion during my teenage years, I was forced to seek refuge and hide in my garden to escape a persistent driver who had followed me, creating a sense of vulnerability and fear. Another distressing incident involved being approached by a bus driver on an empty bus, despite not being at a bus stop. These experiences, including being whistled at and dealing with inappropriate advances, were more emotional than physical but left a lasting impact. The love that entered my life during my young adulthood, around 19 years old, has profoundly influenced my journey. It paved the way for the insights and clarity I have gained despite enduring so much pain. I am forever indebted to him through love and hardships, emerging stronger and wiser. This journey has illuminated the importance of resilience and self-discovery in overcoming life's trials. Each experience, no matter how challenging, has contributed to my journey toward self-acceptance and personal growth. Nevertheless, I always felt like I needed to work twice as hard for things that come easily to others, such as longing for an enduring and meaningful romantic relationship instead of settling for one of convenience. Another previous instance would be not knowing how to value my worth, thus getting paid less for doing the same amount (and sometimes even more) of contracted work than others.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“The character of Magnolia is inspired by my personality and life experiences - not as a complete replica, but as a source of nuanced inspiration. If you’ve never poured all of yourself into one particular person, you might not understand how I feel. Last year, my first love expressed his disdain for romantic relationships by referring to them as part of a “Disposable Society.” Those words resonated with me and later revealed the modern trends of “Risky Romance,” “Disposable Love,” and “Transient Love.” It’s a bit ironic, but I’ll leave it at that. I am creating a fictitious world called Lében, letting the universe guide me as I race against time. You can explore allegorical stories through serialized episodes on Kindle Vella, leading to a full narrative release that delves into themes of spiritual growth, personal development, and philosophical inquiry across platforms. I’m definitely slowing down now as I need stability. Nevertheless, I’ve come a long way, learned a lot, and am keeping hope alive for the near future. You can learn more about me and my work by visiting my splash page at www.MelissArtworks.com.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I am honored to be selected for my first virtual solo exhibition with Goddess Arts Magazine. Moreover, I am incredibly grateful to Kristen Cole Morrison, the library manager at Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, for taking an interest in my work and for her proactive approach and support in making this my first solo exhibition on the grounds at the Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, a Broward County Library, a reality. “At the Garden” offers glimpses into different facets of this captivating narrative. Chapters include “The Iris Family: Wings of Adversity,” “Roots of Sanctuary: A Golden Eagle’s Odyssey,” “A Kingdom’s Fall: ScarCity Saga,” “Shattered Utopia: A Saga Unveiled,” and “Garden Revelations: Love’s Awakening and Freedom’s Echo.” By offering the first five chapters for free along with a booklet of insights, I aim to provide the audience with a captivating glimpse into the depth and richness of my narrative. The e-book and paperback book, however, are available for purchase at "Time2Bloom™ AMZ” at a great price.”
