Artist in conversation: Melaney Wardell
“I feel nothing but joy taking photographs”
Melaney Wardell is an editor and documentary photographer who demonstrates her passion for sustained investigation in her photos. Melaney began her love for photography when she was little and developed it over the years, especially in her teenage years when she demonstrated her rebelliousness in an artistic form. With the feeling that today's rebellion is not the same, she wants to show the purpose and fun of being a rebel.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I was always drawn to images. There wasn’t one finite thing that inspired me to be an artist. I always knew that I wasn’t meant to go the standard 9-5 route. I truly knew photography was for me after a trip to La Jolla and knew it would be my passion. I feel nothing but joy taking photographs and that joy has stayed with me ever since. As for my photographic style I think it is still evolving. I’ve continued to develop it through a lot of trial and error. Many photos I take are as Bob Ross said, “happy accidents.” At the end of the day I just try to make images that I would like to be in a room with for an extended period.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
My rituals are heavily based on music. There would be no art without my Spotify. Most projects I start are inspired by music. Some shoots are based on bringing songs to life while others are to capture the feeling of a specific piece of music. Once I have found a song or album that inspires me, I continue listening until the project is complete. I will have it with me from the ideation process to my final editing stages.
How do you think your photography impacts viewers’ perceptions of what is traditionally considered beautiful?
I think I challenge the viewer’s perception of traditional beauty by finding decay or destruction of something that is traditionally beautiful. By capturing the decay of something beautiful I can create something that is beautiful but in an unexpected way. I hope my photography helps the viewers appreciate the imperfections of life. There is an unappreciated beauty in objects that do not live up to the beauty standards set by society. After looking at my images I want the viewers to take the time to cherish the imperfections.
What inspired you to focus on finding aesthetic elements in destruction and decay?
I’ve always appreciated a darker aesthetic when it comes to any form of art. I think after my first few photography courses I just became bored with the standard beauty. I wanted to look at something else, so I began to make it. When I first began to photograph destruction and decay it was like a whole new world was at my disposal. Photographing the destruction and decay in life allows me to have the opportunity to appreciate objects that are overlooked and an opportunity to create things that are beautiful and then break them down. I think there is something so fulfilling about creating something beautiful and breaking it down to something that is equally beautiful but not what is traditionally beautiful.
Can you share a particular project or photograph that stands out to you and explain the creative process behind it?
My most recent project was about the current level of decay and destruction of cemeteries in Savannah. My creative process began with ideation and research. I began looking into which cemeteries I wanted to photograph and some background into their history. From there on I just went searching in the cemeteries for anything that felt important. I looked for interesting plant life, statues, and graves. My final step in the creative process after exploring multiple cemeteries and then going back to them was editing. During the editing process I experimented with color casts and monochromatic images. After deciding on my color cast, I began playing around with digital double exposures. I made countless double exposures until I found the successful ones. Finally, I sequenced the images into a collection that captured the projects’ goal without being too long.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I try to learn from all feedback I receive. While I have my own agenda as an artist, I think it is vital to see what the viewers see. I tend to write down feedback and go through my project with their words in mind and not my own. This usually allows me to either adjust my project or feel very strongly about a project. I think balancing feedback and intuition is vital practice. However, I never want to ruin the integrity of my art. So I use all the feedback that I can and learn from my mistakes, but I will always keep the images true to my style. I will never put out art that I wouldn’t want my name on or doesn’t have a message that is something I genuinely believe in. I try to walk the tight rope of feedback with respect for the critics, audience and my art while hoping to make it to the end with a beautiful piece.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I personally stay motivated through other artists. I am always looking through magazines or different Instagram pages of fellow artists. By experiencing so many unique styles and mediums I can stay creative. When it comes to creative block, I find going through old playlists is helpful. Sometimes all you need to get you though is a good soundtrack. When creative block is not solved by music, I will take my camera for a walk. Sometimes the best art is when you are passively and actively looking for it. Just having my camera on hand allows me to see a creative opportunity that I had missed previously.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am absolutely thrilled about exhibiting with The Holy Art Gallery. It is such an honor and a wonderful experience. I am so excited to have my work surrounded by such talented artists and with such a lovely gallery.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I have many goals when it comes to photography. I would like to utilize my photography and make an album cover one day. Music plays such a vital part in my creative process I would love the opportunity to create for a musician or musical group. I would also love to make a photography book, I just haven’t’ found my subject matter yet. When it comes to achieving these goals, I plan on getting my degree while consistently creating and networking.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your?
Emotion is my main drive when it comes to creating. When I am inspired, I always try to make art with that feeling in mind. I want the viewers to feel excited when looking at my art. But I would be happy if they felt any strong emotion. I think the best art is the art that forces you to feel even if you don’t want to. I make my art with passion in mind, and I hope that comes across, but I will be happy if the viewers feel strongly about my pieces.
