The Inside the Frame podcast welcomed Hanover-based photographer Melissa Clayton for an evocative discussion about her creative journey, her process, and the emotional depth behind her dark yet romantic still-life photography. With roots in Southern California and a life shaped by transformative experiences, Melissa’s work explores profound themes of light, shadow, life, and death.
A Journey Into Photography
Melissa’s path to photography began unexpectedly while fulfilling an art requirement in college. With a borrowed film camera, she discovered a passion that merged her talent and personal story. Encouraged by her father, a photography enthusiast, Melissa found herself drawn to capturing landscapes in California’s national parks, particularly places like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. These landscapes hold deep personal meaning, serving as sacred spaces tied to her memories of her late mother.
Over time, her love for photography expanded beyond landscapes. Melissa delved into still-life photography, finding solace and expression in capturing the fleeting beauty of flowers. What began as gifts for friends has grown into a defining aspect of her artistic identity.
The Art of Still Life
Melissa’s still-life photography is characterized by its dramatic interplay of light and shadow. Her compositions often feature flowers arranged against dark backdrops, creating a mood that is both somber and romantic. “Even while suffering and sadness, there is still beauty and light,” she shares a philosophy that underpins her work.
Her process is deeply personal and intricate. Melissa grows many of her flowers in her backyard garden, a labor of love that brings her closer to her subjects. When she can’t grow certain blooms, she turns to local flower farms, forging meaningful relationships with farmers who often gift her unique or imperfect flowers destined for compost. These collaborations underscore the communal spirit of her work.
The Creative Process: From Chicken Coop to Frame
Melissa’s studio—a transformed backyard chicken coop—is where her art takes shape. She paints the walls in deep greens and blues, using them as backdrops to highlight the delicate hues of her floral arrangements. Each composition is meticulously crafted, with flowers supported by floral frogs to achieve the perfect balance and height.
The act of photography itself is a meditative process for Melissa. She listens to music and lets her emotions guide her compositions. Long exposures allow her to marry light and shadow, creating the signature depth and texture of her work. Each piece, she explains, is more than an arrangement; it’s a reflection of her introspection and experiences.
Layers of Meaning: Life, Death, and Memory
Melissa’s work is steeped in personal narrative, often inspired by her experiences with grief and resilience. Having lost her mother at a young age, Melissa channels her emotions into her art, creating images that explore the beauty of impermanence. Flowers, with their transient nature, serve as a poignant metaphor for life and death.
“I want to show how even in darkness, there is beauty,” she says. This duality resonates in her photographs, which evoke a sense of mourning while celebrating the delicate vibrancy of life.
Building a Supportive Community
Melissa credits much of her growth to the supportive art community on the South Shore. Fellow artists like Jenny Kelly and Dena from Frame Center have played pivotal roles in encouraging her to share her work publicly. Local flower farms, including Cross Street Flower Farm and Lon Flower Farm, have also contributed to her creative process, offering not just flowers but inspiration and camaraderie.
The Frame Center has been instrumental in bringing Melissa’s work to a wider audience. Her pieces, showcased in antique frames thoughtfully curated by Dena, have captivated visitors and sparked meaningful conversations about art, memory, and life’s fleeting beauty.
Looking Ahead
As Melissa continues to explore new creative avenues, she remains grounded in her commitment to authenticity. Whether experimenting with lighter backdrops or revisiting her landscape photography, her work is a testament to the transformative power of art. Through her evocative still-life compositions, she invites viewers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the delicate balance of life and loss.
To experience Melissa Clayton’s photography, visit her Instagram or stop by Frame Center to see her stunning pieces on display. Each photograph tells a story, offering a glimpse into the heart and mind of an artist who masterfully captures the poetry of light and shadow.
