Melissa Gile is a self-taught multimedia artist and designer based out of her home studio in Hamburg, Germany. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Gile has resided in Europe since 2014. With a background in engineering and business and a diagnosis of ADHD, her artistic journey is deeply influenced by her mental health experiences in varying environments. Inspired by Art Nouveau and the aesthetic movement, her work explores how a sensory-friendly, biophilic environment can lead to an enhanced perception of pleasure and beauty in the world around us.
Gile's artistic practice showcases a diverse range of skills, including painting, paper sculpting, woodworking, electronics, and textiles. This eclectic mix is a reflection of what Gile’s authentic self looks like – a collage of many parts, both artistic and technical, with a thirst for novelty and growth. Her commitment to sustainability guides her material choices, prioritizing recycled materials and minimizing waste.
Her paintings have been internationally exhibited throughout Germany and the United States including Paradigm Gallery in Philadelphia, ArtMUC in Munich, INCorporating Art Fair in Hamburg, and Superfine Art Fair in Seattle. Her work has also been featured in a series of international publications such as Create! Magazine, Visionary Art Collective, Women United Art Magazine, The Curator’s Salon, and CandyFloss Magazine.
Gile’s multimedia work is available for collection upon inquiry. Original paintings can be collected at PxP Contemporary.
Artist Statement
Gile’s journey as an artist began with a deep sense of belonging to the natural world and a growing awareness of the impact of her ADHD on how she experiences the world around her. This led her to explore how she could use art to create spaces that offer a sense of calm and wonder, not just for her, but for others who might also find the sensory overload of daily life challenging.
Her illuminated sculptures of soft, natural design are intended to lull the viewer into deep physical and emotional comfort. Velvety textiles cascade from hand-carved wooden structures like roots from a plant, and are illuminated by subtle, indirect light. Paper flowers, delicate and ephemeral, bloom from their curves. The Stargazer Lily, a recurring motif in her work, symbolizes abundance and the courage to pursue our dreams. By day this culminates in a joyful, lively aesthetic; and by night transforms a space into one of wonder and enchantment.
Through the use of vibrant colors, intricate details, and sensory-friendly design, Gile aims to both stimulate and soothe, offering a tool for both enjoyment and healing. Ultimately, she hopes her work invites viewers to slow down, connect with their senses, and get lost in the enchantment of the world around them.