Welcome to Dot Editions “Artist Spotlight” series, where we’ll be interviewing one artist a month and sharing a little about them with you. The team of artists at Dot Editions have collaborated to bring you a monthly celebration highlighting local artists we’ve had the pleasure of working with through the studio. By these artists sharing a bit about themselves we hope to inspire the artist community to keep pursuing their dreams.

Artist: Melanie Norris

Medium: Watercolor and Oil

Experience: 10+ years

1-Q: Most people who live in Asheville come from another city. Where are you from and how did you end up in North Carolina?

A: I grew up just over the hills in Johnson City, TN. I moved here in 2013 after graduating college.

2-Q: The energy in Asheville is something no one can deny. Did your body of work change after you moved here? How so?

A: I was a fresh grad, so the work was itching to evolve. I was at that time really looking for ways to study people and the brain, doing a lot of reading and research on psychological trauma and migraines.

3-Q: We have one of the greatest creative communities in the US. What do you like best about the local art community here?

A: I like sitting on porches talking about ideas. People are so open and supportive of one another here. Whether it’s painters, musicians, etc discussing what they’re working on, or art appreciators supporting projects and buying work. People see each other as they are and place real value on creativity as a stand-alone thing. And people like to make things happen here! There’s a lot of momentum behind all kinds of projects and ideas; it’s wonderful and infectious.

4-Q: Some artists listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts or just plain silence. What do you listen to when creating? Do you have any suggestions/playlists to share with us?

A: I listened to music for years and years, and then last year my husband wanted to switch from Spotify to Tidal. I couldn’t remember my Apple ID to download the Tidal app to my phone, so I stopped listening to music. I started trying podcasts and liked Tooth and Claw about wild animal attacks because it scared me enough to stay down in the studio and keep working rather than walk up to the house at night, but not so much that I couldn’t sleep. I think I prefer music, though, and have successfully campaigned to go back to Spotify as of this week. My suggestion would be for partners to just have their own Spotify accounts so each can do what they please.

5-Q: Wouldn't it be nice if artists were always in the mood to create? Unfortunately, the reality is that it doesn't work like that and sometimes we need a little push of inspiration. What is your favorite tactic to get your creative flow going?

A: A walk often helps. Also just getting into the studio and pick something up to work on. Then other ideas come along and I hop around from piece to piece.

6-Q: Do you work in other mediums than watercolor and oil? If so, which and if not, are there any mediums that catch your curiosity?

A: I really enjoy drawing with graphite. It’s not work that I would show, but is a great quiet, skratchy exercise. I’ve also been interested in sculpting heads.

7-Q: What does your creative space currently look like? Show us a photo, we don't care if it's messy. We love it all!

A: Messy photo forthcoming.

8-Q: Everyone has hidden fun facts about themselves. What is one thing most people don't know about you?

A: Then it wouldn’t be hidden and that’s not fun.

9-Q: What would you say is the most important thing an artist needs to keep reminding themselves throughout their career? Do you have any affirmations you'd like to share that have helped you get to where you are now?

A: 15 years ago, I boldly asked Irish painter Cian McLoughlin, a hero of mine for advice on trying to be a professional artist because I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. He kindly answered and said something like “If you are meant to be an artist, you just will be”. Quite simply. And I’ve loved and thought about that ever since. It’s gotten me through low years and tough decisions. Painting is a comforting, challenging compulsion, and it’s hard to know how to not do it.

10-Q: What advice can you give to the artists that are just starting their creative careers? What can they do to help get their work out there?

A: I still feel like I’m figuring a lot of basic things out, so take any “advice” from me with a handful of salt: Work hard at what is genuinely interesting to you. Work really hard. Don’t expect quick rewards or for people to applaud your choice of career. Do expect to have part-time jobs sometimes. Just be interested in what you’re doing and then bask in delight (and maybe cash) if others are interested in it too.