Unraveled Expert Artist Interview | Melissa Richard
As our community grows, we love seeing who our leaders become. Our leaders are those who step up, put themselves out there, answer questions, inspire others, and work hard. We believe that every single student at the Academy has the potential to be a leader, it is just a matter of being brave and vulnerable enough to do so. With all that said, Melissa Richard, thank you for being a leader here and for applying as an Unraveled Expert Artist. We were completely in awe of your beautiful gallery and we welcome you with open arms.
For more inspiration from Melissa:
Here is Melissa Richard, Unraveled…
What inspires your art?
Capturing my children and documenting the everyday is what inspires me. I love real moments and details. The magic of childhood and finding beauty in everything around us is what motivates me to pick up my camera daily. I love freezing these moments and details in our lives. I want to be able to look back at these images and be instantly brought back to these snippets in time, remembering the feelings, smells, sounds etc.
What do you shoot with?
Nikon D750 body. I primarily use my Sigma Art 35mm lens and Sigma Art 105 macro lens. I do use my Nikkor 85mm lens on and a Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic on occasion.
What other ways do you express your creativity?
I never really thought of myself as being creative. Although looking back, I loved drawing and took art lessons as a child. I also used to play the piano and took piano lessons.
How do you destress at the end of the day?
I love watching re-runs to TV shoes like Friends and The Office with a glass of wine in hand. I also love having my movie nights with my children on the weekends.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing?
I love rap music. My playlist consists of Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Lil Jon, Drake (and the list goes on!) This usually surprises most people ha!I also love music from the 90's and the early 2000's.
What is your favorite book?
Since I teach grade one, my first instinct is to say anything by Robert Munsch. I read a lot of kid's books! However, I am currently reading "The Should of the Camera" by David duChemin and really enjoying it.
Name one movie that inspires you.
Good Will Hunting. I love all of the life lessons you can find throughout this movie. "You'll have bad times, but it'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to" ~ Robin Williams
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?
Just sitting back and observing and to my kids when they are playing. They are so creative and have such big ideas and imaginations! If I need a creative spark, they can light it! My own kids have shown an interest in photography and have their own cameras. They love telling me their own ideas for a capture.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?
Letting go of all of the "rules" and not worrying about all of the technical stuff. Shooting what I love only, and saying no. Trying to shoot with my heart and not my mind, not overthinking every shot.
Who is one of your favorite photographers?
Oh this is a tough question!! I have so many favourites, and am inspired and motivated by so many amazing artists. I have to say though, even before I started learning how to use my camera a short year ago, I was loving Meg Loeks. She is one of my favourite photographers I aspire to be like, what a dream it would be to meet her!
