Click on Image for article - then scroll down.
This month meet
Multi-Media Artist - Sculptor :
Melida Rodas
What is your medium and why?
With a Fine Arts degree in Sculpture, I have spent a myriad of studio hours creating ceramic vessels and sculptures. My life’s work has been centered around the theme of “interconnectedness and togetherness.” My most recent work, however, has been focused on documenting the plight of elephants and advocating for their survival as a species. We’ve much to learn about their sense of tribalism and how their strength in numbers plays a strong role in their existence. These highly intelligent and emotional creatures can teach us much about matriarchies, love and caring for one another in a way that is awe-inspiring and necessary for survival. Ceramic sculpture with its texture and earthy quality has been one language I’ve used to communicate.
I am also a poet.
As a multi-media artist, I enjoy using various mediums to tell this and and many other stories.
How did you get started? I began my journey through art with photography in my adolescence. As many artists do, I later explored other methods. Writing plays a pivotal role in everything I do, however. Being published in a number of books has allowed me the opportunity to convey my message to a larger audience. As a poet, I performed first before the audience at ART HOUSE PRODUCTIONS. Christine Goodman, the arts pioneer, established this safe space when places like this were scarce and much needed. At Art House is where I built the courage to share what I had crafted including visual art and poetry. I am forever indebted to Christine for believing in me. Edvidge Giunta, my former writing mentor at New Jersey City University, is another constant angel at my side. In her classroom, I began to believe in myself. She too played a strong role in my development as a writer.
Later, I would come to recite a poem I created for Jersey City and Mayor Fulop’s inauguration before an audience of 2,000 people. Stephanie Daniels and Christine Goodman both advocated for me and this poem.
Currently, I enjoy documenting interconnection and the human experience through writing and film
How do you feel about the creative community in Jersey City?
The creative community in our community is like no other. It is as diverse as it is rich with geniuses. One can be amazed by the annual Jersey City Artist Studio Tour because it epitomizes the talent that exists here. From musicians to poets, to artists and performers from all over the world, we have EVERYTHING that a cultured and educated society needs to flourish. With the help of Lynn Hazan, Chicpea, as a promoter and blogger, events, performances and exhibits are constantly on our radar. I understand she is also great support young artists.
Where can people find your work?
My work can be found here my online portfolio: https://melidarodas.com
And here, I am the Marketing and Media relations Director for Cara Squared, Affordable Housing Developer: https://www.caradevelopment.com/video
And here as Inaugural Poet:
And here as Inaugural Poet:In conclusion, thank you Lynn Hazan, Alexandria, and ChicpeaJC.com for this interview. I hope you’ve noticed that my life and creativity has flourished among many women figures, who’s friendship and faith I cherish deeply. I mentioned them because it is Women’s History Month and because together we have done great and beautiful things. That’s what it’s all about. As the saying goes, “If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want travel far, go together.” I look forward to the future and our interconnectedness in hopes that we will pass on the importance of the arts and community to the next generation. Our very existence, our humanity depends on it.
Last but not least, because behind every great woman, sometimes there is a man and a child, my husband Eugene P. O’Connell and Xielo, my daughter – my piece of heaven, they are my muses. They are EVERYTHING TO ME.
