Melinda Tarascio Lidke

I grew up in Westchester County, New York and attended Good Counsel Academy in White Plains. After graduation, I worked for 2 years and then applied to The School of Visual Arts, New York City. I was accepted and attended in 1968-1969. I was in the Fine Arts Program and was truly fortunate to study under Chuck Close! But I left the 4 year degree program after meeting my husband as the art of family life became my new and exciting focus.

In 1974 my Family, which included my husband and my 11 month old son, and I moved to Florida. My husband started his business almost immediately and I was involved to some degree. However, I was able to open my first Studio/Art Supply Store in 1975 in Port Salerno, FL called “The Art Works.” I became active in the town community and worked to produce the Annual Port Salerno Art Festival in 1976. When I say produce, I mean I did everything including organization, marketing, event managing, sponsorships and funding, artist selection (with 2 others), and Event Day Coordination. This was a truly successful event and a humbling experience! I participated in Art Festivals and Shows during the 1970’s but mostly I sold my work via my studio/store or by commission.

In 1977, I joined forces with another artist to open a new and larger establishment called “The Ram’s Head” a Gallery/Framing/Arts & Crafts Store in a new location in Stuart, FL. I bought out my partner before the end of the first year, realizing that partnerships are often not what you hoped they would be. I then successfully operated my business until I sold it in 1980. During the time I operated The Ram’s Head I again produced The Annual Port Salerno Art Festival in a new location. When I sold The Ram’s Head in 1980 I left the art world to work with my husbant full time until 1991 when, once again, I was able to involve myself in the arts.

During my business years, I took a number of independent classes in areas including, clay, paper making, watercolors, perspective, black and white, and custom framing. I tucked all of this information away until 1991 when, I, along with two other wonderful artist friends, opened another studio in Hobe Sound, FL (Just a note: All three of these towns are within 3 miles of each other), called “MLM Studio”.

The lesson learned earlier in my career about partnerships led to a great way to set up this new venture. We each independently contracted to 1/3rd of the space. Other than that, we had independent businesses. We worked independently and sold our works in different venues. In 1996, my life completely changed, and I left the art world again and moved to Jupiter, FL.

In 1999, I moved to downtown West Palm Beach, FL, where I have a detached studio right at my residence. Even though I created the workspace at my home, I was unable to work until 2006 when, I realized I HAD to find my way back to where I belonged. I developed a new interest in creating art jewelry and began redeveloping my art skills. I eased my way back again into the world of creating and participated in small arts and crafts shows locally. It was successful for me and, in a way has led me to where I am now.

I am an eclectic artist. I find it irresistible to change, experiment, restructure, deconstruct, and create in the moment as well as creating well loved subjects in traditional ways. Some days all I can do is prepare my supports and organize my tools and equipment. Other days, I can’t stop creating until I’m physically exhausted. This often is reflected when viewing the totality of my work. I am a multi media artist, often using unexpected tools to create what I do, but I also enjoy creating single medium works such as watercolors, pastels, oils, acrylics, oil pastels, inks, and artist’s markers. I use these same medias to create the mixed media pieces as well as combine them with other tools, varnishes, sealers, finishes and supports. I always use professional quality paints, pastels, inks, markers and supports in my works. I believe my real talent is my ability to experiment carelessly as well as create traditionally.

My New Site! : www.ArtisticSituations.com