Professional Bios

The work created by Melvin G. focuses on control. She has observed the stark contrast of her father’s awareness of his declining penmanship due to Parkinson’s Disease and with her young daughter’s oblivion to her lack of control. Morgan attempts to emulate the intentionality of his tiny marks with the freeness of her large chaotic scribbles into her abstract work. There is a beautiful and natural balance in the two forming a unique paper background, which she then cuts to form into collages applying a fresh form of control into each and every piece. Morgan Elvington Walker received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Clemson University. She currently lives in Florence, South Carolina with her husband, Michael, daughter, Liza, and son, Ward.

Artist Statements

WEB FORMAT:
To experience Hawaii is to walk through another world. The landscape isn’t just inviting—it’s enveloping. Your mind races to absorb the colors in all their shades and variants. Flowers and fruits release a sweetness that marries perfectly with the salty air. Ocean breezes glide through the abounding foliage leaving a haunting rustling as if someone is walking alongside you. It is impossible to see it all in detail. Attempting to remember it all would be in vain. And yet you try to take it all in so deeply, so thoughtfully hoping your mind will let you escape back to this moment from time to time.

Having this paradise as my backyard is a gift I do not take for granted. But just as a tourist is called back to their life, I am called back to the duties of the everyday. Homework, laundry, tidying up all require my attention. I gather a few beautiful finds to carry inside and arrange, letting the extraordinary beauty from the outside inspire me as I work through the beautiful mundane inside.

Starting with solid pieces of colored paper, I began cutting shapes inspired by the tropical landscape—some a replication of something I know well, others created from a fuzzy memory. With thousands of shapes and colors scattered about, I began piecing them together like puzzles. Artistic discretion determining all the placements—sifting, sorting, rearranging—no wrong answers, but also knowing when it was just right. In the end, 25 unique arrangements each with their own story. For me these pieces remind me of what lies beyond the threshold. For you they may take you back to a person or place you long for, or maybe to a place you dream of going. And herein lies my hope for this collection—a momentary transition from wherever you are to where you can connect to something, somewhere, or someone just beyond your reach.

INSTAGRAM FORMAT:
Hawaii—the landscape envelops, bold colors present in infinite shades, salty air is sweetened by flowers and fruit, ocean breezes keep you company. This breathtaking haven is my daily playground. And still even I am called back to the duties of the every day—homework, laundry, tidying up. I gather a few beautiful finds to arrange indoors, letting the extraordinary beauty of the outside inspire me as I work through the beautiful mundane inside. • For this collection, I cut shapes inspired by the tropical landscape then pieced them together like puzzles. Sifting, sorting, rearranging—artistic discretion determining all the placements. Twenty-five unique arrangements each with their own story. For me these pieces remind me of what lies beyond the threshold. For you they may take you back to a cherished memory or wishful dream. And herein lies my hope of “Flowers for You”—a momentary connection from wherever you are to something, somewhere, or someone just beyond your reach.
“MEMORIES. Moments of our own personal history dancing around inside our minds. Some play on repeat while others surface at a familiar scent or favorite song. In reminiscing, we find others may have lived a moment with us, yet details, emotion, and clarity all differ.

Our current state has brought an unexpected stillness to life. Memories have more time to replay and memories have more time to be made. I create today’s memories with awareness that the finality of time is pressing harder on some. Though in vain, I try to etch the exactness of these moments into my mind. The details of his face, the funny little things he says, the sound of his laugh. Desperate to remember it all. But time will diminish the vividness, age will bury details, and my evolving perspective will layer in.

Through a series of layered abstract paintings, I explore the concept of memory — this tension between wanting so badly to remember it all but being at the mercy of what my mind allows. I have been influenced by getting to spend extra time with my family during this state of uncertainty, especially my dad. Every painting begins with a mono print – each different from the next representing our individual take away from a moment. I add layers, take sections away to show the effects of time on memories. In the end, what’s left is chaotic but controlled— woven together with beauty and emotion. It won’t be everything. It won’t be exactly. But it will be the essence of it, and that will have to be enough.”

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