Young Edmonton artist steps into the spotlight with first solo show
By Kimberly Melo
EDMONTON — Pursuing a professional career as an artist is not an easy journey — just ask MacEwan graduate Melissa Soleski.
Soleski, who received a diploma in fine arts in 2008, found that getting out into the real world as a professional artist is quite difficult and scary, so she took a break from pursuing art seriously, until recently.
Her unique artwork, which consists of applying watercolour to a panel of wood in order to highlight its grains and colours, has been on display at the “Naess Gallery” at the Paint Spot, located at 10032 81 Ave., for the month of January.
Kelley Brent, general manager of the Naess Gallery, noticed Soleski’s work at Art Walk last year, which is an outdoor gallery featuring hundreds of working artists. Brent originally offered her the opportunity to be part of a group exhibit, but after seeing more of Soleski’s work, she decided that he work was strong and diverse enough to give her a solo show.
Brent’s gallery strives to help young artists put themselves out there.
(From left) Patricia Poohkay, Robert Marshall and Melissa Soleski at her first solo exhibit at the Naess Gallery. Photo supplied by Melissa Soleski.
“The Naess Gallery is to promote upcoming artists who want to get their feet wet,” Brent said. “It really is meant to start their career. “
This was Soleski’s first ever solo show and is a great start to her developing her professional career as an artist.
“I love how it is a public space so people who may not go to a gallery or show have the opportunity to see my work,” Soleski said.
It has also helped her make professional contacts within the artistic community.
“I’ve gotten a few interviews and I have had good reactions from people. I’ve sold a few pieces,” Soleski said. “This is great for my artist resume.”
Although her solo exhibit is an achievement for Soleski, combining her love for art and her need to pay bills was not easy to balance.
“Getting out into the real world is really quite difficult, it is very scary,” Soleski said. “Right now I am working a full-time job and doing art when I can.”
She is currently working as a recreational therapy aid at a choice program for seniors.
The two-year fine arts program at MacEwan teaches great technical skills, but it lacks the business side of things, leaving students to figure it out on their own, according to Soleski.
Rose Clancy, an instructional assistant with the MacEwan fine arts program, says it is really meant as a stepping stone for students to move on and pursue a degree.
“We don’t have room in our curriculum for a business course,” Clancy said, adding that the school does try to help along the way. “Our main goal is for them to reach a high level and move into a bachelor of fine arts, or possibly design or history.”
Melissa Soleski creating her unique artwork. Photo supplied by Melissa Soleski.
The fine arts student body is so diverse that graduates may move on to pursue a variety of degrees; however, they continue to practice and exhibit art outside of their degree program, according to Clancy.
Although there are many struggles that come with building a professional career as an artist, Soleski has a bright vision for her future.
“A dream career for me would to be an illustrator,” she said. “I love children’s books and doing cartoons. I love to make people happy with my art.”
Soleski’s ideal vision for the future would to be able support herself financially as a professional artist.
She is planning to finish her degree in fine arts. In the meantime, she is working on her website to promote herself as an artist.
“Quite honestly, if I went the rest of my life without selling my artwork it would be fine because I would still be creating it,” Soleski said.
The next exhibit that will be featured at the Naess Gallery is “Layers of Consciousness,” from Feb. 4 to 29.
