Melissa Anne Contreras

Melissa Contreras works as axelhoney. She is currently showing in Los Angeles, California, but you can find her work almost anywhere. She has designed catalogues and toys, illustrations and painting. She says she thinks her art will be everywhere in ten years. It pretty much already is.

If you had to get a tattoo at gunpoint, what would it be?

a village of tee-pees

Do your parents hate that you're an artist?

No, but I think my mom kind of wishes I stayed with biology. she wasn't to happy when I switched to art in school. But really, they are very supportive and just want me to be happy

Are you on any medication?

No, but I probably should be, I choose to suffer through all my ailments.

If you weren't showing your work, what do you think you'd be doing?

Trying to show it, and probably working a little harder at it, too. I am not a very good self-promoter at all. I usually just take up opportunities that come to me. I don't really put myself out there.

What was your first big break?

Ha! I don't think it has happened, yet, I hope not. But maybe a few solo shows I have coming up. One in November at Doe, a cute little boutique in San Francisco. Another in May at Black Market LA (not official, yet, though). Project Gallery has been great, inviting me to participate in many of their shows.

Are you pretentious enough to call yourself a starving artist?

No. I have a "regular" job. I hate being broke, I always fear ending up down and out and homeless.

Had you always planned on being an artist [or had you other hopes]?

I always wanted to be an artist, but never really believed in myself enough to truly claim that title. Now, I think everyone is a little bit an artist, just like i think everyone is a little crazy.

Have you had any formal training in art (what was it, if any)?

I went to UCLA for fine art, but it was more about the concept of art. I really wish it was more techical training. I kind of slep walked through it and didn't come out with much.

Do you think you have to suffer for your art?

Meaning putting in lots of hard work and long hours and giving your all, yes. And I definitely need to suffer a little more.

What animal do you most want to pluck from the wild and keep?

A dwarf bunny, bee-eater bird, and umm....a dolphin? But I would never do that cuz all animals (including humans) should be free.

Who inspires you to keep producing work?

Seeing successful artists and illustrators work in unexpected places and also going to galleries.

A few of my favorites: Camille Rose Garcia, Miss Van, Rachel Sumpter

How did you begin creating work?

I've always liked drawing. I never really thought I was good enough to make anything of it. I had a degree in Fine Art, but working as a graphic designer, doing catalog layout. A few years ago, I just came to the realization, there were so many people around me, in my life, that were SO talented. It was part of the reason I never even tried, I always though, well, I'm not even half as talented as so and so, so why bother? Then I realized how many of these people where doing nothing with their talent, so I decided, it was time to stop sitting back and letting things pass me by, and I started drawing again.

What does your playlist for working consist of?

I listen to Pandora a lot, it creates a listening station based on a song or artist you enter, right now, I am listening to the Pat Benatar station. I like music with energy and emotion. Fun and fast.