Considering the Why: Melana Bontrager

I often receive emails from followers promoting a talented artist, new restaurant or dynamic attraction that I may not have heard of but should know about. I love hearing your suggestions about hidden gems to try, meals to indulge in, or artists that deserve support.  And, I love sharing it back out – obviously…. I mean that’s what my blog is all about, introducing you to special people and places with the hope of forging new connections within the community.

I received such a note about artist Melana Bontrager after my good friends Brian and Mandy won a bidding war at a fundraising auction for one of her paintings. I was actually already following Melana on Instagram after Snohomish gallery owner, Krista Lutz brilliantly incorporated Melana’s canvases as part of her Thanksgiving tablescape for a post I had done earlier. I was smitten with the warm tones and distinct geometric shapes of Melana’s work that reminded me of mid-century mountains and Googie valleys. And, I thought it was genius to place these small artworks as table décor and then offer them as gifts to dinner guests. It’s just a great idea.

Melana lives in North Everett, with her family. Her new home studio is light and bright with space to paint and draw her abstracts working primarily in ink and acrylic. Her father makes all her canvases using recycled hollow-core doors.  Melana says her works are informed by organic patterns (like soil layers and rock forms) and how they relate to artificial settings.

Just as no human being or geographic location is perfect, so the shapes that I create in my paintings are not measured or “correct”, rather they serve an invitation to stop and consider. 

Melana Bontrager

Melana was sweet to let me visit her studio to get a behind the scenes glimpse of her at work.

Meet Artist, Melana Bontrager

Describe yourself.

My name is Melana Bontrager. I grew up in the PNW but have also lived for a time both in the Midwest and on the East Coast. My husband and I have 4 kids, which makes life both exciting and a daily juggle. 

When did you start painting? 

I started taking painting lessons in 2nd grade, and I have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, but didn’t really feel like I connected emotionally with my painting until grad school. I was studying art therapy, and the therapeutic aspect of art-making really touched me. I would say that’s really when I started painting out of a personal place. That was 1997-99. 

What is the best piece of advice you were given when you started?

The best early-on advice I’ve received is “Don’t fall in love with any one part of your painting.” I studied for a semester in Florence, Italy, and I always remember these words from my painting professor. They remind me to take risks, and push into a place of discovery, not holding too tightly to any one part of the process.

What tool or object could you not live without?

Tools and objects I love: I can’t imagine trying to replace my Catalyst hand-held spatula. I use it to apply paint, to move medium, and to smooth on varnish. I’m also very fond of my rolly stool; it allows me to slide from place to place without being constantly on my feet in the studio. 

Name a fear or professional challenge that keeps you up at night?

Sometimes I fear that I don’t have more work in me, as though what I’ve just painted is all I’ve got. It’s irrational, because I believe there’s so much creativity available to me as an artist, and I truly believe it’s not “mine” anyway: I’m just a conduit, allowing the work to live and become what it’s supposed to be. But still, that little fear-voice often whispers. 

What is your no-fail go-to when you need inspiration?

My go-to for inspiration is music. I most often paint with the tunes pumping and I pull inspiration from the music I select. I usually prefer either something with lots of movement but few lyrics such as Thievery Corporation and Groove Armada or thought-provoking work like Moodybear, Mat Kearney, and Over the Rhine. 

What does the next year hold for you?

I hope this next year brings many new art connections both in the greater Seattle area and along the West Coast. I’m excited to be represented by J. Rinehart Gallery in Pioneer Square, and look forward to the opportunities this partnership will afford.

I want to encourage you to see her work in person at Traumhaus Gallery at 1206. can still pick up some tiny canvases for your holiday table décor, too. 

Wendy