An exploration in the art of letting go.

My work explores the quiet power of repetition, color, and small gestures. I use washi tape as my primary medium because it allows me to build compositions that feel both structured and spontaneous. The material is simple, but it carries a surprising emotional weight. A single strip can feel delicate or bold, and a field of repeated marks can shift from meditative to energetic depending on how the colors and patterns interact.
I came to washi tape after years of working in Painting, Photography, and Film. Those disciplines shaped how I see. They taught me to pay attention to composition, rhythm, and the way a single choice can change the entire emotional tone of a piece. Washi tape lets me bring those instincts into a new form. It gives me a way to work with precision and play at the same time.
My process is slow and intuitive. I build each piece through layering, alignment, and small adjustments that accumulate into something larger. I am interested in how simple materials can create depth, movement, and a sense of place. I often work in series because I like watching an idea shift as I repeat it. The work becomes a record of attention. It shows where my hand hesitated, where it committed, and where it followed a rhythm I did not plan.
Community is also central to my practice. I believe art is a way for people to feel connected, and I want my work to invite participation rather than distance. This is why I created Washi Wonder, a project that allows people to contribute their own small pieces to a collective artwork. The project reflects my belief that creativity is not limited to trained artists. It belongs to everyone. When people add their own marks, the work becomes a shared expression of curiosity and joy.
Lately, I have been exploring the sculptural possibilities of washi tape. I am experimenting with layered constructions and dimensional forms that extend beyond the flat surface. These new directions allow me to think about space, shadow, and the physical presence of the work. They also open the door to installations that respond to the architecture around them.
At its core, my practice is about connection. I want my work to feel approachable and alive. I want people to sense the care in each gesture and to feel invited into the process. Whether I am working alone in my studio or guiding a community project, I return to the same belief. Small acts of creativity can build something meaningful. They can bring people together. They can change how we see the world.

Isabella (on left) - first washi tape artwork Dreaming Buddha (on right)

How I began

my path to creating art using washi tape

Melody is an artist, community builder, and creative strategist whose work sits at the intersection of fine art and public engagement. Her practice centers on washi tape as a contemporary art medium, an accessible and tactile material that invites people of all ages and abilities into the creative process. Through both her personal studio work and her community projects, she creates spaces where people feel welcomed and empowered to make something beautiful.

Her path to becoming an artist has been shaped by a lifelong fascination with pattern and color, and by the emotional resonance of visual storytelling. Melody studied Visual Arts in college, receiving formal training in Painting, Photography, and Film. Those early studies laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach and shaped her sensitivity to composition and narrative. That grounding continues to inform her work today and gives her contemporary practice both depth and intention.

It wasn’t a straight path, and honestly, she didn’t expect to circle back to art in the way she ultimately did. Before returning to her own creative work, Melody spent years in strategic communications. That professional experience now enriches her artistic life. She approaches every project with a deep understanding of audience and the emotional experience of the people who will encounter the work. This blend of artistry and communication has become one of her signatures. She builds not just artworks but experiences.

She still remembers the first time she laid down a piece of washi tape in 2019. The precise cut of the tape and the placement of color across a blank canvas surprised her with simplicity and satisfaction. What began as a small experiment quickly grew into a sustained exploration of how humble materials can be elevated into intricate compositions. Her pieces combine repetition and color in ways that feel both meditative and exuberant. She is especially interested in how small, individual gestures can accumulate into something larger, an idea that mirrors her community‑engaged work.

Alongside her studio practice, Melody has become a trusted leader in the local arts ecosystem. She designs and leads art events, teaches workshops, mentors emerging artists, and collaborates with organizations to elevate creative experiences across Bainbridge Island. Her work in event branding and artist support has strengthened the visibility and professionalism of local arts programming. Whether she is facilitating a workshop or creating a local art event, she brings kindness and a deep respect for creative labor.

Her artistic evolution continues to accelerate. Melody is currently developing new bodies of work that explore the sculptural possibilities of washi tape, including layered constructions and dimensional forms. She is also expanding her community practice, designing projects that invite intergenerational participation and celebrate the collective creativity of Bainbridge Island.

People make their best art when they feel welcomed. Melody creates environments where people feel safe to experiment, where beauty emerges from collaboration, and where creativity becomes a shared language. Her practice is rooted in the belief that art belongs to everyone.

As she continues to grow as an artist, Melody is committed to deepening her studio practice, expanding her public‑facing work, and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of her community. Her trajectory reflects both artistic promise and meaningful impact. These qualities define her as an emerging artist whose voice is becoming an essential part of the region’s creative landscape.