Brevard Artist Melissa Morrow Discovers Spiritual, Mental Release Through Drawing and Painting

By  //  June 15, 2019

Expressing Herself Through Art Brings Artist ‘Back to Reality and Makes Me Feel Grounded Again’

ZOMBIE BLUE: I painted this during a very difficult time in my life. Sometimes I start off painting thinking it will turn out one way, but it turns out totally different. I originally just wanted to paint a pretty picture, but that’s the magic of art – things come out you may never expect. Log on to ColorMonkeyJunky.com to see the full portfolio.

I was born in the small town of Krotz Springs, LA in the middle of the Atchafalaya Basin where religion and voodoo were intertwined. I was a very sensitive and shy kid, but unusual at the same time.

I was known for my inflated imagination and stubbornness. I loved dance, music and writing, mostly only seen when I was alone. I questioned everything at a very young age, things that young Catholic girls should not.

I suffered from phobias and anorexia all through childhood, even to the point of being hospitalized and dropping out of high school when I was 16. Later on, I was well enough to further my education by getting my GED and going to college.

Being artistic was my escape from my problems. I always had strong intuitions, which scared my family and friends at times. It took me several years to realize that this was a gift and I learned how to manage it.

MELISSA MORROW: I had no formal training, but I began to draw and paint. It was both a spiritual and mental release that I needed to bring me back to reality and make me feel grounded again.

I always wanted more than to get married, have kids and live in a small town. There was part of me from a young age that knew that wasn’t me.

I feel like I have lived a hundred different lives in 46 years. There are many things that I have regretted but overcame. I guess that was just my path.

I went on to become a successful real estate agent in Louisiana when my world quickly came crashing down. I was diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder and suffered from constant dizzy spells.

I was homebound for a couple of years. It was a depression and despair that I wouldn’t want another human being to ever know.

I cried all the time, felt constantly confused and just didn’t care about anything. I couldn’t answer my phone, pay my bills or anything. I didn’t have the strength to even care.

I had no formal training, but I began to draw and paint. It was both a spiritual and mental release that I needed to bring me back to reality and make me feel grounded again. Now today I am very content, married to my best friend and living in Melbourne.

Zombie Blue

I painted this during a very difficult time in my life. Sometimes I start off painting thinking it will turn out one way, but it turns out totally different. I originally just wanted to paint a pretty picture, but that’s the magic of art – things come out you may never expect.

I was trying to seek out the truth of a situation and I saw that in her eyes. I had been praying for clarity about an experience I was having and the truth was pretty ugly. Maybe I already had the answers.

She came out a little grotesque and very exaggerated, as is my perception of myself. If you are interested in this piece or would like to enjoy my other works please log on to ColorMonkeyJunky.com

If you have any questions or comments, e-mail ColorMonkeyJunky@gmail.com

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