Melissa Cole was born in Oregon and raised in London, Hong Kong, and India. She graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Zoology, worked in the Dominican Republic as a Peace Corps volunteer in reforestation and environmental education, and spent time as a naturalist guide in Mexico and the Caribbean. It is from these remarkable encounters that she derives much of the inspiration for her vividly colored, heavily textured and patterned paintings and sculptures.
She has written over 30 children’s natural history books and travels extensively with her marine photographer husband. Like much of her family, she has always created art but has spent the last 18 years fully devoted to it. Melissa has developed her skills set in a variety of mediums by working one on one with artists experienced in their field. She is strongly influenced by folkloric designs and global patterns found in ceramics, batiks, sculptures and mosaics, which she sees in her travels abroad. Her artwork strives to bring themes of science and the natural realm to urban settings, encouraging people to reconnect with nature. Her creations are showcased in national galleries, corporate and private collections, aquariums, hospitals, schools, and numerous public places.
Fond Memories of Liberty Lake
The Rocky Hill basketball court mural was titled by a frequent visitor to the park (name unknown) and his dog Lucas. He would come to check on my progress on his morning and evening walks. The mural was inspired by the natural beauty of liberty lake. It represents the waves of color in the sky and lake. An osprey glides through the clouds and a trout swims below the waves. White circles form bubbles which morph into bouncing basketballs. The barn red color pays tribute to history of the park, which used to be a working farm.
I endeavored to create a vibrant fun-filled court with natural elements and plenty of movement. It was my pleasure to work within the community of Liberty Lake. Thank you for the opportunity, Melissa Cole.