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Artsy Shark presents the portfolio of printmaker Melissa West, who tells stories through her artwork. See more by visiting her website.

My work explores the fine line between comfort and menace in our most common stories and shared experiences. My prints often depict the characters who populate myths, legends, and fairy tales, but transplanted into a modern or neutral setting. The tension thus created helps viewers see these familiar tales anew, and think about the ways they remain relevant to the modern world.

I am currently experimenting with using multiple printmaking techniques in a single print, for instance combining etching and relief print or monoprint with linoleum block. I hope this will further emphasize the complexity of human story-telling.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on a couple of linoleum block prints based on Moby Dick (my absolute favorite book). I’m continuing my set of Exploration prints, loosely based on the adventures of nineteenth-century Arctic explorers. And I’m also starting to work on a set of prints inspired by a walk I took across Spain last year, from Seville to Salamanca.

What inspires you?

I’d say there are no limits to what inspires me, but two main areas of interest are literature and the outdoors – which are in and of themselves huge categories!

What are your goals?

I’d like to be able to make a living solely through my art. And I’d like to have access to any materials or equipment I need to continue to learn and experiment in printmaking.

I began my art career as a painter, but have completely fallen in love with making prints: the technical, mechanical geekiness; the ability to take one image and make it over and over again, changing it and letting it push my ideas further and further; and the ability to be creative not just in the creation of the block or plate, but also in the printing.

Enjoy the vibrant energy and color of featured artist Jennifer Weiss’ portfolio. Find out more about this artist by visiting her website.

My name is Jennifer Weiss. My interest in art began when I was very young after an art teacher in middle school suggested to me that I had talent. Once I received this feedback my great passion to create took over me. I remember drawing in classes and then getting home from school and going directly to my canvas to paint.

My friends and family have always commented on how productive I am in regards to my artwork. I am often working on two or three paintings at a time. I am a self-taught artist and though I tried a few art classes, I never did like them very much. I have always trusted and believed that what I have inside me is enough to produce the results that I wanted. In fact, after taking an art class in college, I felt that it was detrimental to my production and creativity.

I have always been drawn to create because it lifts me to another level of consciousness and what I call a meditative state. It helps me to escape from the daily pressures and stresses of life. It also helps me to celebrate life and the beauty around me. I have been an acrylic on canvas painter most of my life. My style is surrealistic & abstract in nature. My painting encompasses unique and often repetitive forms that dance with color, balance, rhythm, and personality.

The majority of my work starts without a prior concept in mind. The piece develops as my mind instructs my hand on the paint brush. Lines develop into bolder shapes that take on color & balance.

I produce flowing forms integrated with energy & movement. Frequently, my work has a sense of spirit flowing within it. Occasionally, my work is premeditated through drawings that stand out to me. I am a colorist. The majority of my paintings & drawings reflect extravagant use of color. I perceive colors which range in varying intensities from high to low and screaming to silent.

There is theory of harmony within my artwork, an internal discipline which color and forms are to obey. My creativity and my responsibility to expose it to the world is a powerful purpose in my life.