It all came from the heart...
I'm Melissa and I've always been artistic, but it wasn't until I got diagnosed with Viral Cardiomyopathy that I really started producing art that wasn't just scribbles on paper.
I was diagnosed in October of 2016. Painting and writing became some of my first outlets to express how I was feeling during such a tough time in my life.
In January of 2018 I received a heart transplant thanks to an incredible young donor named Brea. After my transplant I wanted to pay kindness forward and began brainstorming ways I could share Brea's and my stories through art and creativity.
When Covid-19 submerged our world into chaos in 2020 I needed something to keep me busy while stuck at home, so my mom introduced me to loom knitting. In the past few years I've made hats of all sizes, scarves, and even octopi friends.
In 2021, after moving out and having more space, I began experimenting with resin and melted wax. I've made (or at least attempted to make) keychains, earrings, necklaces, dice, coasters, and much more.
In March of 2022, almost a year and a half since my last hospitalization, I landed in the hospital again for two weeks. In that time I knit 12 hats for the hospital's NICU. While there, my sister visited me and encouraged me to learn how to crochet. Still new to crochet, I really only make potholders fort now but plan on making other items such as blankets and pillowcases.
I'm so excited to share my passions with the world and I thank Brea and her beautiful gift for allowing me to continue to make art and share my story. Thank you for reading. <3
