How Nature Inspires Melissa Rolfes’s Art and Creativity

Melissa Rolfes is an artist who followed her heart and made creativity a big part of her life. In this interview, she shares how she took the leap to become a full-time artist, the ups and downs along the way, and what keeps her inspired. She talks about her love for mixed media, how nature fuels her creativity, and the ways art has helped her grow as a person. Melissa also shares what she’s learned and gives great advice to anyone wanting to follow their creative path. Her story reminds us that art isn’t just about making things; it’s about discovering who you are and bringing more joy into the world.

As a contemporary artist, I am dedicated to exploring the world’s beauty through abstract watercolor, mixed media, illustration, and surface pattern design. My work is deeply inspired by the intricate forms and textures of nature, reflecting on the connection to the world around us. I embarked on my artistic journey in 2020, deciding to pursue my lifelong passion for creativity full-time. Since then, I have embraced the freedom to experiment with a wide range of art supplies and techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Each piece in my portfolio represents a chapter in my ongoing story of growth and discovery. With a background in biology and education, I offer a unique perspective to my art. My relentless curiosity and commitment to sharing knowledge drive me to inspire others through my work. My ultimate dream is to build meaningful connections within the creative community and collaborate with fellow artists. Together, let’s create a life of purpose, joy, and gratitude, where every brushstroke tells a story of passion and intention.

1. How did you get started in your art career?

I have always been creative and have taken art classes throughout the years, but I never took the plunge to become a full-time artist until 2020. That January, something shifted, and I knew that it was time to dive into my creative side and see what I could do with it. I was currently working about 18 hours a week teaching Pilates, and I let my boss know that I only wanted to keep two classes a week and shift all my clients to other instructors. I gave her ample time to make this happen and would make the official switch in March 2020 right before Spring break.

The timing was incredible, as everything was starting to shut down for the pandemic. It was a difficult time, but it was exactly what I needed to go within and find my creative voice. I had let so many distractions and obligations keep me from pursuing my dream of being an artist full time, and now everything was cleared from my path. It was a bit scary and a little lonely as I had to get to know myself on a deeper level. I wasn’t entirely happy with who I was at that moment in time and wanted to explore what I truly wanted out of life. I started exploring different art mediums and playing with supplies, then allowed myself to create without the pressure of creating a master piece. It was exhilarating and exhausting as I started to reconnect with myself and pay attention to what I liked and didn’t like. I started following other artists and landed in a “Start Your Art” class, which led to following other artists and seeing how they were running their art businesses.

This opened my eyes to all the ways you could make art into a career. Being an art entrepreneur was very appealing to me. I landed in a surface pattern design class and expanded my knowledge of running a business with multiple streams of income. I sell my original artwork, prints, and cards, and I am currently pitching my fine art and surface pattern designs for licensing. I realized how much I benefited from the creative process and started writing a blog on creativity. I have recently added information on growth mindset work into the mix and often write about how the two feed each other. This has led me to start developing a course called “Ignite your Creativity, Master Your Mindset,” which will be available later this year. I love doing all these things, and I am always looking for ways to work smarter to pursue my art and to help others along their creative journey.

I want to create the wonder of nature using mixed media to bring joy to those who view my art.

Melissa Rolfes

2. What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with?

I primarily work with mixed media. I typically will have a collage base, then add acrylics with palette knives. I also mix in brushwork and illustration. For me, it is about building layers and giving the work complexity. I will use inks, colored pencils, pastels, or anything else in my supply cart that feels like it would add a little pizazz to the work.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Being outside and observing nature always inspires me. Flowers, plants, rocks, shells, and horizon lines are always a wealth of form, texture, and color. I take a lot of photos from different vantage points, giving me different perspectives on natural life. I especially love getting up close to flowers and observing their intricate details. It all fascinates me and makes me feel alive. I’m inspired to take this feeling into my artwork. I love the phrase, “Create the beauty you want to see come alive in the world”. I want to create the wonder of nature using mixed media to bring joy to those who view my art.

4. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your art journey?

The most rewarding aspect of my art journey has been to reconnect with my authentic self and utilize my art as an outlet for expressing my values, beliefs, desires, and dreams. It has also allowed me to be more mindful and present as well as building my patience and ability to focus. It led me to learning about mindset and inspired me to dive deeper into personal development. Overall, it has been an amazing journey and one that I hope I can inspire others to take on. I am more confident in my ability to figure things out as I continue on my entrepreneurial path. I have quite an adventure ahead of me, and I get to bring the fun and excitement to the path to help ease the pain of climbing the mountain of growth still to be had.

Creativity has the power to change the way you think, feel, and approach life.

Melissa Rolfes

5. Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our readers or aspiring artists?

Embracing a creative practice offers many benefits, including increased self-awareness, personal growth, self-expression, the cultivation of patience, and improved focus. Creativity is a powerful force that shapes your identity, enriches your experiences, and strengthens your resilience. It also has the power to change the way you think, feel, and approach life. For me personally, diving into creativity has led me to live a more authentic and intentional life.

I’ve uncovered parts of myself I never knew existed, and I now live with a deeper sense of purpose and joy. Creativity has become my compass, guiding me to live my deepest “why” and truly own my path. I encourage you to dive into a creative pursuit today and make it a regular part of your life. It can truly transform your day-to-day routine into a continual process of growth, joy, and empowerment. Embrace creativity as a way of life, and I promise you will discover new depths within yourself.

Melissa’s story is a reminder that creativity is about more than just making art—it’s about self-discovery, growth, and finding joy in the process. By embracing the unknown and trusting her journey, she has built a life filled with purpose and passion. Her journey shows that no matter where you start, it’s always possible to create the life you want through creativity, curiosity, and an open heart. To learn more about Melissa, visit the links below.