Melissa Owens

Drawn to the combination of fiber with wood, I routinely walk in the woods of northwestern Wisconsin picking up branches and having one way chats with the local fauna or hang out at the wood mill gazing longingly at live edge cut offs for my inspiration. I openly suffer from pareidolia – seeing faces in inanimate objects – and I embrace it to create my unique sculptures!I combine needle felting, wet felting and Nuno felting techniques and sometimes incorporate methods such as Joomchi (paper manipulation) if I am trying to capture a specific texture into my pieces. I almost always integrate some form of wood and good humor into my art and gravitate towards sculpting animals and other natural elements.

Melissa Owens, a Mixed Media Fiber Sculpture Artist, breathes life into her creations through a mesmerizing blend of wool and wood. Her artistry, celebrated at venues like Arts Elevated and the Pablo Center at the Confluence, captivates with intricate detailing and thought-provoking narratives. From the serpentine grace of "Maple Syrup" to the regal elegance of "Huzuni," Melissa's sculptures embody a deep connection to nature and human creativity. With accolades like the "Outstanding Achievement" award from the Whitefish Bay Art Festival, Melissa's work continues to enchant, inspire and delight, inviting viewers to explore the delicate balance between craft and art in every piece.