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I created this piece of art in February 2024. This is a painting about finding love in an unexpected place, and discovering that opposites really do attract.

I created this artwork in February 2024. This is a painting about finding love in an unexpected place, and discovering that opposites really do attract.

Derrock used his nephew and Henry Fonda as the basis of his painting and then passed them on. He
purposely left them as a blue print for me to create and make it my own. Tackling this young man was a
bit tricky for me. I had to look at the original inspiration and then thought about my sons and all of
young men I have taught over the years. Normally I paint only women for my personal art. So, this was
pa particular challenge, he had no “story”. This past year has been so difficult on all of us in the Black
community, I thought I would pay homage to that. When I looked at his jacket originally, I say a hoodie
and thought of Trayvon Martin. I usually see a collage of images and symbols which create the “story”
behind each of my painting. As an educator I take my job seriously when preparing my scholars for the
“real” world. Which is why I added the stack of books. My husband kept referring to this past year as
having a health pandemic and racial pandemic. So many times, if feels like society only sees our young
men as animals. I drew on the 1950’s I Am a Man campaign to round out this continual fight for our
young men to be seen as human. The tiny details I added to pay homage to a few of our fallen men is
the box of Skittles on the books, the cigarettes and the airplane in the sky with the advertisement, “I
can’t breathe,” some of the men in the crowd have on masks, and finally a bleeding American flag.

This artwork is part of a collection consisting of four collaborative pieces crafted by the artistic duo of Derrock and Wineglass. This dynamic creative team has embarked on a fresh series of collaborative projects, drawing upon their extensive experience in teaching art and years of interaction. Despite their differing artistic approaches, Derrock and Wineglass, who have been friends for quite some time since meeting in the teaching realm, spontaneously chose to merge their distinctive styles. Together, they have crafted various pieces of art that center around the African American community while drawing inspiration from the glamour of old Hollywood.

Secret Garden is a very indepth painting that shows the connection between the human heart and its transformation and growth over time. This heart is not depicted as an actual heart but is creatine from elements of nature. It is surrounded by a protective gate or traditional white picket fence able to see through some of the slats and is locked with a decorative bronze lock keeping it safe. The keys is somewhat hidden to add a layer of protect in the fact that there are three intricate keys that the person wishing to get to the heart must figure out how to get through the lock. There are three paper airplanes which is a divine number, but he airplanes represent our guarding angels also protecting the sacred garden of our heart. Almost like the the garden of Eden of our heart.
The ventricles of the heart are created with a honey comb . the honey comb is considered to be divine in nature due to its perfect representation of the hexagon dripping honey which represents knowledge and a bee close at hand, a nights sky moss a hollow tree trunk. We also see white tulips represented with the gates of the garden, white representing purity but white tulips being symbolic of forgiveness. A journey we all must go through in the healing process, forgiven ness of self and others. A floating sunflower is also within the garden representing sunshine and light. Sunflowers a traditionally symbolic of hope. The base of the heart that contrasts with all of the living things protruding from it is a made of stone. Finally we have s the ever present clouds reflecting sunlight off clouds representing the presence of god.

Often times we move through life and we forget the beauty we all have inside. We get caught in the everyday, the hurt, the trauma we have experienced and we forget that there is still a paradise inside of us. The light… The darkness can feel so consuming sometimes but when we tend to the Garden within us, nurture it, feed it, weed it (self care) it grows. It grows beyond the walls that society tries to place upon us. It grows in strength to overtake the darkness that surrounds us and tries to creep inside…us is me. Having dealt with depression for years, I finally got to a place where I started to see the light and the colors , I began to recognize that there was something beautiful inside of me. It didn’t just get there, it had ALWAYS been there. I cultivated my Garden and let it grow. I let it overtake the darkness that would often times try to overtake me( the silent battles we never talk about)
Within the painting you see a beautiful garden of wild flowers , within an anatomical heart, a water source, blue skies and greenery growing beyond the “walls” of the heart, monarch butterfly , butterflies typically represent transformation and within this butterfly’s wings is an orange sky with clouds depicting the dawn of a new day. And last a honey bee with a source of honey is also on the heart. Bees typically represent, in Christian symbolism, Christ, of his forgiveness. The bee is also a symbol life, fertility, love, wisdom, diligence, creativity, and wisdom. The honey represents life and transformation.

Generational Curses” is a deeply symbolic painting that visually explores the enduring impact of pain and trauma passed through generations. Dominating the canvas are oversized hands, masterfully painted in shades of black, white, and gray. These hands are adorned with tattoos featuring slave quilt patterns, symbolizing a deep and historical connection to past sufferings. Cradled gently within these powerful hands is a smaller, vividly red heart. This heart appears fragile and worn, with visible cuts meticulously sewn together using gold thread, while bandaids and staples are strategically placed to hold other wounds closed, illustrating a desperate yet resilient attempt at healing. Surrounding this poignant centerpiece is a fleet of seven paper airplanes, gracefully circling the heart. These airplanes are not mere objects; they are visual metaphors for guardian angels, implying a sense of protection and spiritual guidance. Emerging from the heart are delicate peach-colored roses, symbolizing gratitude. This contrast of the roses’ softness against the heart’s vivid wounds adds a layer of complexity to the painting, suggesting that within the deepest pain lies the potential for growth and appreciation. “Generational Curses” is not just a painting; it’s a narrative of struggle, resilience, and the transformative power of gratitude amidst life’s inherited challenges.

Each peace is a digital design based on a community foundation’s values and mission to embodying the essence of unity, diversity, and collective purpose .

If the files need to be submitted seperatly please let me know 317-600-4713

I am inspired by outdoor scenes of rural Indiana. The exploration of depth of field is a focus of my work but extends beyond mere visual aesthetics. Each painting becomes a conduit, a gateway to activate the viewer’s entire state of mind and body. Recognizing the pivotal role of our eyes in shaping our physical states, the paintings delve into the profound impact of visual stimuli. By broadening the focus and engaging with the expansive landscapes depicted, the artworks trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing breath, heart rate, and inducing a sense of relaxation. The collection becomes a contemplative exploration of the intricate relationship between what we see and how it influences our mental and physical well-being, offering a space for healing and introspection through the lens of art.

I am inspired by outdoor scenes of rural Indiana. The exploration of depth of field is a focus of my work but extends beyond mere visual aesthetics. Each painting becomes a conduit, a gateway to activate the viewer’s entire state of mind and body. Recognizing the pivotal role of our eyes in shaping our physical states, the paintings delve into the profound impact of visual stimuli. By broadening the focus and engaging with the expansive landscapes depicted, the artworks trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing breath, heart rate, and inducing a sense of relaxation. The collection becomes a contemplative exploration of the intricate relationship between what we see and how it influences our mental and physical well-being, offering a space for healing and introspection through the lens of art.

Abstract piece celebrating being black in America while looking forward to the future. Priced at $650/ Abstract piece depicting a futuristic guardian angel. Priced at $800/ Abstract piece representing the heart as something to worship. Priced at $1100

Azur is a portrait of a woman in a headwrap painted in primary colors. Her skintone is blue representing the deepest hue of african skin while creating a striking work of art. Asking $2500

Rose is a portrait of a classic woman. Her skin tone is red which symbolizes strong emotion. The background color is a mint color. Asking $2500

This piece is little more playful an abstract with areas of solid color and spaces with scribbles, writings and randomness.

This piece is currently on display at KIND Gallery at the IND international Airport. I should receive piece back within the month.

Be Heard is a fiber art piece made during a process called punch needle where yarn is punched through each hole in the monks cloth. It has been professionally framed and ready to hang as it has been previously on display in Newfields Museum. Price $4,500

My newest series is exploring imaginary and abstracted floral inspired shapes and compositions. This series is called the Chaotic Flower series. These are painted from my imagination rather than using a reference, I want them to appear as if they were in a dream-like state or as memories.

This piece is unframed currently.

My newest series is exploring imaginary and abstracted floral inspired shapes and compositions. This series is called the Chaotic Flower series. These are painted from my imagination rather than using a reference, I want them to appear as if they were in a dream-like state or as memories.

This piece is currently framed, it can be purchased framed or unframed

A man runs through a dessert landscape surrounded by several coyotes/wolves. 5 of them are his companions, standing beside him and observing him–the 6th is snarling in anger and the man’s full attention is focused not on the 5 supportive companions, but on the 6th Wolf.

This piece was made for my solo show Cicatrix (July 2023) that focused on scarification, femininity, and my childhood in West Africa, it later hung in the Sutphin Invitational at the Harrison Center and was awarded 2nd place.

Large scale painting of 3 women from the same family with their eyes closed

This artwork was created to celebrate generational traditions that are passed down from woman to woman. This was inspired by my family and how traditions of womanhood have been passed from my grandmother, to my mother, and finally to me. This painting was created to celebrate this cycle.

This painting is part of the series, “Taking Up Space”. Taking Up Space was created to illustrate the impact of intersecting roles of women and what it has done to modern femininity and womanhood; and how we’re socialized to only celebrate and respect women’s efforts when they are validated by masculine measures of success.

Taking Up Space pushes to redefine modern femininity by challenging women to honour, celebrate and express the innate characteristics of womanhood.

“Where do I begin… To tell the story of how great a love can be… The sweet love story that is older than the sea”

Illusion is about how we perceive the world through the colored glass. Our life boat takes us in the journey of our life and we don’t actually know the next destination but still we hope in that Unicorn and have faith in the rightness of the universe and hold on to the beliefs of magic.

For me, she embodies Black women and the richness of their story. I focused on illustrating the strength, courage, and grace that I’ve witnessed in my friends and in leaders at the local and national levels. The background hints at their ancestral history.

As an artist, my creative journey is often fueled by the exploration of ideas, emotions, and experiences.
I find beauty in the diversity of cultural influences, the intricate details of nature, and even in moments of emotional turmoil and sorrow.
These concepts can manifest themselves in bright, vibrantly colored compositions or in my dramatic grayscale pieces.
My hope is that by sharing this perspective through my paintings, others may be inspired to do the same.
I’m a Puerto Rican artist based in Indianapolis. I’m proud of my cultural roots and it colors my work even when the subject matter is not specifically related to my background.

Dreams speaks of the cross over from past memories to present. The hummingbird signifies the rhythm of life that continues. We lose our loved ones and have memories of good times. The memories from past come back to us. and they are always there treasured in our subconscious minds.

Summer is a part of a series of paintings inspired by nature’s journey. Before a tree flowers or a flower blossoms, they go through a season of rest. When we find ourselves discouraged I think it’s important to remember that our gifts, passions, hopes, and dreams aren’t lifeless. Summer is giving way to autumn and we’re resting. At the appropriate time, in the perfect moment we will come into the fullness of our beauty.

Abstract Mixed Media with texture and epoxy resin

I am a self taught artist with epilepsy. I use art as therapy to relieve stress and help reduce the number of seizures I have. I have several images of my work on my website www.melissacainart.com I also have a retail space on the West Side of Indy called Cain’s Creative Chaos. We just opened in Feb of this year. We do art workshops and we have a gallery selling the works of several local artists. www.cainscreativechaos.com

My original design I handpainted with alcohol ink on Yupo paper framed with mat and glass.

The art reflects diversity of beautiful flowers grouped together in one basket to achieve a singular work of art. The art depicts the diversity amongst mankind creates strength, creativity, growth and sustainability of our on-going development as a community.

Price of art is $450

(If flexi-glass is preferred over glass, it can be changed).