Hi, I’m Melani Cusicanqui.

I am a painter who loves the outdoors. I find that I am at my most creative when I am out in the sun or by the water, and being in these environments naturally leads me to draw inspiration from the organic lines of the natural world. For me, art isn’t about simply copying what is in front of me; it is about capturing a feeling. Most of my work is driven by memories or emotions that I translate into my work.


My Approach

My creative process often begins with high expectations for realism, but I have learned that the most authentic work happens when I let go of total control. Working primarily in oils, I find the fluid nature of the paint helps me reach a state of flow, especially when listening to music. This allows my hands to move intuitively rather than overthinking the direction of a line. This transition is where the work shifts from a planned idea into something else, as the oil paint begins to dictate the outcome. This practice allows me to explore the balance between my initial intentions and the natural movement of the work itself.

Multidisciplinary Art

From large-scale oil paintings and charcoal drawings to photography that explores natural form texture

Intuitive Movement

Drawing from my background in dance, I use music to reach a state of flow, which allows my hands to take control and capture memories and emotions.