In the world of polymer clay Melissa Terlizzi's work is easily recognizable thanks to her ability to infuse cheerfulness into every piece. Her sculptures have become cherished treasures for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Join us as we step into her enchanting world, where frogs, toads, snails, mushrooms, and turtles come to life with a touch of whimsy and a dash of realism.
“I’ve been creating frogs and toads for several years now,” she says, “and they continue to evolve. Every time I make one, the process changes a little. My goal is to make the most realistic-looking animal I can, that is also still cute. I like that their eyes are a little too big, and their expressions a little too human to be real. I want people to be drawn into the face and recognize some feeling there. The brown toads are based on American toads, and the green frog is called exactly that—green frog; both American toads and green frogs are common where I live.”
The world of snails, with their captivating eyes on stalks, slime trails, and endearing mouths, is a playground for Melissa's imagination. She infuses her snail sculptures with personality and charm, showcasing her talent for turning ordinary creatures into extraordinary works of art.
This summer, Melissa's artistry took an enchanting turn towards mushrooms. “I have made a ton of them this summer,” she cheerfully explains, “including a bunch for an upcoming clay swap. I figured out a way to make the individual gills underneath the mushroom cap, so I have been doing a lot of experiments, seeing just how thin I can get the clay to make them look realistic. I’ve also been reading up on mushrooms - so interesting!”
Among Melissa's creations, turtles stand as the most burdensome. Crafting these reptiles tests her patience and skill, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. “Of all the things I make, turtles are the most challenging and frustrating,” the artist mentioned when we asked her about these sculptures. “As a result, I don’t make them very often, and when I do I curse a lot. My most recent “Western painted turtle” went viral on Facebook, which was crazy! I suddenly had an audience that my artwork had never reached before. Most people had no idea it was polymer clay. One guy told me that he was “taking back his like” because it wasn’t actually a real turtle!” Wow! Some people are really weird!
A vital part of Melissa's creative process is the photography of her sculptures in natural settings. She refrains from traditional studio backgrounds in favor of outdoor scenes where her creatures come to life. “When I put a turtle in the water, or a toad in the mud, it comes to life in a way. It suddenly has a home and a back story,” she explains. Her dedication to capturing these moments often leads to amusing encounters, as passersby watch her squatting down in creeks or lying in the grass, fully immersed in her artistic world.
Melissa's polymer clay sculptures are celebrations of nature's wonders, imbued with her unique perspective and creative vision. Each piece showcases the passion for her craft, offering a glimpse into a world where whimsy and realism coexist harmoniously. Melissa's art reminds us to find joy in the beauty of the natural world, even in its tiniest and most delightful creatures.
