Melinda Vasquez has always felt a deep affinity for the Asian aesthetic with their refined attention to detail. She states: “I admire the 18-19th century Japanese designers of woodblock prints and paintings including the work of Kitagawa Utamaro. He is well known for his work that depicts beautiful women often wearing kimonos with elaborate patterns. This imagery has influenced my most recent work entitled, “Pyrrhuloxia” as well as a series of collages which portray birds and bamboo and fruit.”

“Utilizing collage as my medium supports a great flexibility in the use of materials. I always incorporate drawing by using Prisma Color pencils to illustrate the focal point. In addition, frosted Mylar with its semi- transparent quality is used to create layers and a feeling of depth. The decorative papers that form the bamboo leaves echo the rich detail of the kimonos I have admired.”

“The collages are challenging with the complexity of pieces that must come together like an intricate and beautiful puzzle. But the rewards are bountiful as the scene emerges from the weaving of drawing and layers of colorful paper.” 

“For the past decade, I have broadened my palette with beaded jewelry. My approach to the design of wearable art is guided by my fine art training and inspired by beautiful materials. I am intrigued by a quest for creating visual harmony by combining unique beads of various shapes and textures. This assemblage of many elements continues to home my skills in both scale and composition.”

Come to the Art at the Matador, on May 10 and 11 to meet Melinda Vasquez and to see her art in person.