Melissa Machnee Sculpture



















 'Power of Attraction'

MFA Thesis Exhibition
by
Melissa Machnee

Making art involves a delicate process of patience and intuition. When I make sculpture, I listen to my thoughts and feelings. This makes my work very personal. My work deals with the similarities between different industries and their relationship with nature.   I feel a very strong spiritual connection between the materials that I use and the animals that I reference. I often use humor and color to help lighten the content and tone of my work. I do this by using colorful fabrics and quirky animals. Doing this has helped me develop new methods of working with materials.

 As a third generation welder and seamstress, I am fascinated with the welding and fashion industries. I see many similarities in the way that these products are produced and used. I use the raw masculine qualities of the metal industry and nurture it with the soft feminine qualities of the fashion industry. Combining these materials together make me question different roles that we play in society.

 Industry plays an important role in my work but animals are an everyday occurrence for me. Bunnies symbolize creativity, Intelligence and wit. This animal reminds me to have fun and be creative. Another animal that I am attracted to is the deer. I often see them in the wild. The deer symbolizes unconditional love and compassion. They remind me about the strength and compassion that exists in the world.  They have a natural connection to humans that are unique from person to person. Using a variety of animals has helped me uncover the different meanings that animals have and the roles that they play in our world. I use Animal Spirit Guides and Astrology as a guide to help uncover their many different meanings.

I am investigating the power of attraction.

What are you attracted to and why? 








































dontshoot.jpg
'Don't Shoot!', 24.75"x13"x37", Styrofoam, Fabric, Aluminum, Plastic.

itsazoooutthere.jpg
'It's a Zoo out there!', 13"x2"x40", Aluminum, Photographs.

merging.jpg
'Merging', 21"x5"x19", Iron, Steel, Fabric, Paint.

rollingoutbunnies.jpg
'Rolling Out Bunnies', 9.5"x3.5"x9.5", Steel, Fabric, Paint.

crossingover.jpg
'Crossing Over', Installation, Steel, Fabric, Astroturf.






reproducing.jpg
'Reproducing', 2'x13.5"x32.5", Steel, Fabric, Plastic Beads.

pastlife.jpg
'Past Life', 4.5"x4.5"x28", Steel, Phesant Feathers, Fabric, Paint.

amongstthewolves.jpg
'Amongst the Wolves', 12"x10"x60", Steel, Fabric, Paint.

unemployment.jpg
'Unemployment', 11.25"x3.5"x4", Iron, Fabric, Felt, Rope.






kissface.jpg
'Kissy Face', 19.5"x16"x19", Styrofoam, Faux Fur, Bronze, Glass.

ouch.jpg
'Ouch', 12"x2"x10", Steel, Paint, Lucky Rabbit Feet.

unextinguishablecompassion.jpg
'Unextinguishable Compassion', 10"x10"x25", Fire Extinguisher, Deer Antlers, Felt.

fabricatedpisces.jpg
'Fabricated Pisces', 26"x37"x4", Iron, Fabric, Paint.

feelme.jpg
'Feel Me',12"x1.5"x69", Steel, Fabric, Paint.








































These Sculptures are for sale. If something strikes your fancy, Please contact me at melissamachnee@yahoo.com