Jela Meli

Meet Jela Meli, a former traditional artist who has transitioned almost entirely into the digital world. Despite having no formal art education beyond high school, her work continues to evolve along with her. At the age of 47, she is constantly pushing herself to move beyond the confines of social media algorithms and into the magical realm of art.

Jela has been creating art for as long as she can remember, with a passion for drawing and painting that has remained with her throughout her life. However, her muse took a decade-long break, only resurfacing after she experienced an intruder in her home and before she lost everything in the devastating Camp Fire. Drawing and painting became a way for her to work through her trauma and process her emotions.

After losing her physical artwork in the fire, Jela turned to digital art as a means of expression. For her, the beauty of digital art lies in the fact that pixels can be preserved and live on in the cloud, while a canvas can be destroyed in seconds. While she misses the texture and tangibility of wet paint and canvas, the longevity of her digital creations outweighs any longing for the traditional medium.

Jela's art is inspired by the darkness of mythology, the beauty of human expression, and our relationship with the natural world. She believes that art is a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, and hopes that her work can help others who have experienced trauma to find their own voice through creativity.

With a constantly evolving style and a dedication to exploring new techniques and mediums, Jela is an exciting artist to watch as she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of digital art.

As an artist, my work is driven by my desire to explore the depths of human emotion and the mysteries of the natural world. My art is a reflection of my personal journey, and I draw inspiration from both the light and dark aspects of life.

My work is constantly evolving as I experiment with different techniques and mediums. While I started as a traditional artist, I have found that the digital realm offers me greater flexibility and control over my creations. I am fascinated by the infinite possibilities of digital art and the way that it allows me to express my vision with precision and depth.

My art is a means of processing my own experiences and emotions, and I hope that it can also resonate with others who have faced adversity or trauma. I believe that art has the power to heal and transform, and I am grateful to be able to share my work with others.

In my art, I explore themes of mythology, the human experience, and our relationship with the natural world. I am inspired by the raw beauty of the world around us, and I strive to capture its essence in my creations.

Ultimately, my art is a celebration of life and the human spirit. It is my hope that my work can offer a glimpse into the magic and mystery of our existence and inspire others to find their own sense of wonder and awe in the world.