Lagom

By: Melaina Distad

Artist Statement 

As a graphic designer and photographer, my work is influenced by my environment and the people around me. Growing up in rural Minnesota, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by artists. My creative journey to becoming an artist was heavily influenced by my mom and grandma. I remember as a kid always looking through and playing with the different paint colors, markers, and fabrics my mom had in her art room. Specifically, my mom allowed me to express myself creatively by choosing the fabrics for the clothes she would make me, as well as allowing me to paint on the basement walls and providing me with books to learn how to draw. 

When it comes to making, my process starts with observation. Subconsciously, I’m always taking note of the different lines, textures, colors, and shapes I see in nature and the city. Within my photography and design work, I am drawn to thin lines and shapes as I use these elements to build the framework for my logos and patterns. From there I add color. Designing is an intuitive process for me as my ideas build off each other, allowing me to mix different media and design techniques together. This step in my process is the exciting part of making and where I get my creative energy to see a project through. 

Currently, I have expanded my design practice into building environments primarily through surface patterns. As a daydreamer I find myself wandering off into my own imagination. When designing spaces I want people to feel like they have stepped into a realm of wonder and imagination. I design patterns that have elements of nature in them. The subtle elements of nature are what create this whimsicality. My main goal with this current project is that I want people to come back and feel like it's a place they can explore and escape from reality.