"Inherent Nature"

Melissa Morgan Artist Statement

As a collage and assemblage artist, I am foremost a collector. My collection of materials starts with yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores and generous donations from friends and family. Sometimes it takes years to amass the items needed to complete a cohesive series of works. At some point all of the right items come together in my studio and a series like that shown in "Inherent Nature" comes together.

The color, pattern, and texture of the individual items, papers, shadow box/frame or paint used in each piece is as important to me as the collected items themselves. Attention to an unified color palette, balance and tension allows me to explore a theme or idea in a more in-depth manner.

"Inherent Nature" explores the concepts of biology, genetics, genetic modifications and heredity. The imagery of bees, chickens, eggs and Punnett Squares are repeated throughout this series as is the muted color palette, in an attempt to further pay homage to the delicate balance that is life on Earth.