Melodie Thompson of Delaware on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Melodie Thompson. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Melodie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I like to begin my day with quiet; meditating, reading and journaling. These practices along with some physical activity- usually hiking or cycling spurs my creative thoughts and energy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a female artist, primarily oil portrait and figure painter of women. I think my work has a quiet, moody quality about it.
I hope the women I portray come across as strong, contemplative and emotionally relatable. I’m always thinking of a story as I paint each piece and the how the choices with backgrounds and clothing will speak to the viewer. When you are talking to someone with a quiet voice you need to come in closer to hear what they are saying. In the same way I hope people are drawn closer to see my work. There is typically a lot of detail that you might miss if you only view it from a distance.
My most recent series called “Quiet Contemplation” combined paintings on gessoed birch panels of women in repose, The “dust” portrayed in their skin is a reminder of how we are all connected and that we are mortal. The book portraits “dust jackets” represent the angels that are enamored with us and some of the roles they play in our lives. My hope is that this series would speak to unity and the power of gentleness.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I grew up on a farm in a small rural community in Indiana. When I was around 6 years old the police showed up at our house one summer evening. The Police said they had caught some people stealing corn out of our fields and asked if my parents wanted to press charges. My Dad asked the police to bring the people in to our home and have a seat in our family room. He said, he had to go get something and would return shortly. He went to the basement and packed up meat from the freezer and canned goods, brought them up and handed it to the people. He then told them if they needed food to return to our house and he would take care of them. I saw how powerful grace could be that day through my Father’s actions.
It’s something I think about and try to act on everyday as I encounter people and tough situations in this world.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering, has definitely taught me that there is more inside me than I knew existed. My drive, resilience and empathy has grown as I have pushed myself into situations that typically would not have been comfortable for me. I realized each time I tried something that caused anxiety- I remembered each past experience and what I learned from it. Those memories served as bolts of energy to step through the fear holding me back. It made me realize that I could become more than who I thought I was.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I believe there is more focus by smart people today in the “how” rather than the “why”. It seems like the focus of our world is in moving faster, fueled by power, greed and political agendas.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I was kind and listened to them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tomgirlstudio@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tomgirlstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodie-thompson-17818026
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/melodie.thompson.7

Image Credits
Allie Norris Photography