Melissa Burghardt Interview

Melissa Burghardt is a brilliant artist that I found when I was doing my research before enrolling on the Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute about a week ago now. The best part about it all is that yesterday before publishing this interview, I found out she was going to be my personal mentor for the course!

I’m sure I will learn a lot from Melissa, but even learned quite a lot just by talking to her beforehand. Read some of the things we discussed in her interview below:

Nadine: What's your name, where are you from and what do you do?

Melissa: Hey there, my name is Melissa Burghardt. I am from the Netherlands and I am working fulltime as an artist. I love to make oil paintings and I mentor students at the Milan Art Institute.

N: How did you get into art? Was it something you always wanted to do?

M: I've always loved to make things with my hands and just be creative. I never really focused on art until I joined the Mastery Program of the Milan Art Institute. I barely thought about being an artist when I was younger because I thought it was impossible.

N: What message do you want viewers/collectors to take away from your work?

M: I hope to create a feeling of warmth, strength, freedom and elegance in a space, with a touch of fascination to draw the viewer into a different world.

N: How do you create a balance between your personal life, work life, downtime etc.

M: At the moment it's not really hard. We're in lockdown in the Netherlands so there is not a lot going on. Also I love what I am doing, so my mind is always on. When I am able to plan some social time it's really my time not to be thinking about art, but still then we talk about art and discuss new ideas. I love spending my days in my studio. But to get myself out of my studio I plan days with my friends to get me out of that zone.

N: Are there ever days you don't feel inspired to create and how do you get over that?

M: Yes, I think every artist has days like that. Overall I try to push through and just keep going. For me that is the best way so get inspired again. Also cleaning and organizing my studio helps me get some new ideas and fresh eyes to look at my canvas.

N: You took the Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute in 2018 and it's something I've enrolled in myself a few days ago. How would you say it helped you and what advice can you give anyone who is about to start?

M: The Mastery Program really changed my life. Making art is a lifestyle. They helped me to think bigger, have more faith in my skills and showed me that it really is possible to live a life you love. For students who are just about to start, I would encourage them to think positive. Don't be too hard on yourself, because it takes time to improve your skills. Not everything will be perfect the first time.

N: What tips can you give an aspiring artist?

M: Work hard. This is your dream, no one will just hand it to you. Don't try to make excuses.

Thanks Melissa!

Visit: www.MelissaBurghardt.com