My story

My name is Melissa and I am the artist and founder of Natura Inspirati. I grew up in a small town along the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island. My backyard was the B.C. rainforests and my front yard the Pacific Ocean. My childhood was spent wading in tide pools searching for crabs, scavenging creeks for salamanders and contemplating with my sister how to best prepare for a bear encounter.

Contrary to my nature, I moved to New York City at 19 where I spent most of my adult life studying international politics, co-founding a non-profit, and traveling the world. Through my personal experiences, I came to the conclusion that the protection of our natural world is the most important fight in stopping mass migration, poverty, pandemics, war, and social/political and economic injustices.

Painting only found me three years ago. Fighting severe PTSD, I find solace in art and nature. In hard times she stood by me, and in hard times I will stand by her. By using my voice and creativity I hope to contribute to a community fighting for the conservation of our environment. Natura Inspirati is the culmination and expression of my life passions with an aim to represent nature in all forms through artwork, and perhaps spark contemplation in those that take it for granted.