The Awards Collective was created to feature the works of artist who have received either a Juror’s Award or Director’s Award in ASG’s Online exhibitions.  Melina Meza’s image “True Nature“ received the Director’s Award in the “sanctuary” exhibition juried by Kevin Tully.  Melina’s exhibition “Becoming Landscape” is discussed in this GalleryTalk.

Artist Statement

Journey through the hauntingly beautiful remnants of Bodie, California—a historic gold mining town frozen in time. This dreamy American series serves as a poignant meditation on impermanence and the enduring resilience of nature’s embrace.

Nestled within the rugged landscape of the Sierra Nevada’s subarctic expanse, Bodie once thrived as a bustling hub of life and industry. From its peak population of 10,000 in 1879 to its dwindling community of 120 residents by 1920, the town’s story is one of ebbs and flows, of dreams forged and dreams faded. Despite the closure of its mines in 1944, Bodie’s legacy endures, earning it the prestigious designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

As I wander through Bodie’s silent streets and weathered buildings, I am captivated by the whispers of history echoing in the wind—the imagined conversations at kitchen tables, the scent of wood smoke lingering in the air, the laughter of children dancing across faded floorboards. Through my lens, I seek to capture not just the physical remnants of Bodie’s past, but the intangible essence of hope and resilience that permeates its weathered walls.

In ‘Becoming Landscape,’ I explore the delicate dance between human ambition and nature’s inexorable march of time. Each photograph is a testament to the enduring spirit of Bodie—a reminder that even in the face of decay and dissolution, there exists a quiet beauty in the cycle of birth, growth, and eventual return to the earth.

Through the gentle surrender of buildings and objects to the tender embrace of nature, ‘Becoming Landscape’ speaks to the interconnectedness of all things—the fleeting nature of human endeavors juxtaposed against the timeless grandeur of the natural world. It is a visual poem of hope and transformation.

Melina Meza, 2024

Bio

My artistic journey, rooted in the enchanting landscapes of Northern California, is a testament to nature’s transformative power and the art of mindfulness. From childhood, I’ve found solace and inspiration in nature’s beauty, shaping my path as a lens-based artist and wellness advocate.

At the core of my practice is a deep reverence for the present moment, intertwining mindfulness with artistic expression. Through my camera lens, I embark on a journey of exploration, capturing the profound connection between inner peace and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. Photography, for me, is not just technical; it’s a meditative act of co-creation with the natural world, a testament to embracing curiosity and being fully present in every moment captured.

Drawing upon a diverse array of techniques, my artistic style is characterized by a unique blend of in-camera multiple exposures, motion, and macro photography. Each image serves as a poetic interpretation of the natural world.

As a passionate advocate for wellness, I strive to share the transformative benefits of spending time outdoors and immersing oneself in the beauty of the natural world. Through my art and teachings, I aim to inspire others to cultivate a deeper connection with nature, fostering a sense of harmony, joy, and belonging in the world around them.

In the embrace of nature, I find not only artistic inspiration but also a profound sense of gratitude and awe. Each day brings new wonders and discoveries, reminding me of the endless possibilities that lie within the present moment.

website:  melinameza.com
instagram:  @melina_meza_photography

link to online exhibition