Melinda Rosenberg

All of my work is an exploration of the awkward meeting of human intent and nature, or the force of life that is beyond human intent.  The best analogy I can give for this is in Mound builders Country Club Golf course, where a golf course is preserving prehistoric earthworks.  It is a functional sacrilege, somehow preserving what has been largely lost to the plow in Ohio.  In my work I look for the sacred in wood grain, symmetry, and simple forms.  Human bungling is found playful glitter, strange color combinations, self conscious paint, and found materials.

My creative process is often in response to wood.  When making a piece I will paint layers of paint, sand through the layers and then stain the wood prior to selecting its’ contrasting piece of old wood.  The old wood may have peeling paint, weathered wood grain or old worm holes.  New wood is colorful or smooth.  Beyond their visual appeal, they represent the aging process of growth and death.

From here I will decide on the shape and size of the piece, often symmetrical.  I want these pieces to touch the wall with sensitivity and allow the viewer to see the hollowness of the form.  Although serious in content, I want the pieces to feel playful.