Nuances of Freedom at Iowa State University Memorial Union
Melynda Van Zee uses spiral imagery to express the deep inner work necessary to finding equilibrium and energy to pursue a creative life. The spiral is one of the most commonly found design forms in nature and is symbolic of growth and transformation.
“Centering Within #19” installed in client home
From the galaxies to DNA to our fingertips, spirals are prevalent in natural formations and are one of the most efficient ways for something to grow. For the past ten years, she has used her painting process as a method of internal excavating to discover her path.
Melynda Van Zee paintings at Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 2019
Melynda shares “My work is inspired by the challenge of intuitively transferring the invisible into colorful abstract shapes and forms. Working with a process of layering transparent acrylic paint on canvas, I seek to capture brief glimpses of the emotional and spiritual landscapes of my soul. My artwork arises out of quiet reflection and awareness of my life experiences. My goal is to awaken the viewer’s creative spirit through color, texture, and movement.”
“Nuances of Freedom” by Melynda Van Zee, Iowa State University Memorial Union, Ames, IA 2019
Melynda Van Zee creates acrylic paintings with vibrant layers of translucent paint enhanced by swirling dimensional line work. She shares her fine artwork at art exhibits and shows throughout the United States. Her works are in the collections of numerous private and corporate collectors. She is the author of an art technique book, Painted Scrapbook Pages, published by Lark Books. Melynda earned her BA in Elementary Education and Art from Dordt College. Her studio is located in the heart of the prairies of central Iowa.
Melynda Van Zee paintings on exhibit at Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 2019
Selected Solo Art Exhibitions
- Seminole Gallery, First Free, 5255 N. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL (July 29-October, 2019)
- Nuances of Freedom, Harvest Vineyard, Ames, IA (April 20-September 2019)
- Melynda Van Zee Paintings, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, Iowa City, IA (January-April 2019)
- Nuances of Freedom, Iowa State University Memorial Union, Ames, IA (December 2018-January 2019)
- FREE: Pathways Toward Freedom, Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny, IA (October-November 2017)
- Artist at the Edge, Edgewater Community, West Des Moines, IA, (January-February 2017)
- Warren Cultural Center, Greenfield, IA (January, 2016)
- Bring Your Gift, George Daily Auditorium, Oskaloosa, IA (October-December 2014)
- ConTEXT, Joan Kuyper Farver Art Gallery, Pella Community Center, Pella, IA (June-August 2014)
- Life Palette, Wilcox Library Foyer Gallery, William Penn University, Oskaloosa, IA (February 2014)
- Inside Out, Galerie of Pella, Solo Show, Pella, IA (July 2009)
- Emerging, Galerie of Pella, Solo Show, Pella, IA (July 2008)
The Paintpushers group at “Light & Dark” reception Heritage Gallery Des Moines, IA
Selected Group Art Exhibitions
- MoveMent, Paintpushers Group Exhibition, Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny, IA, (August 1-September 26th, 2019)
- Light & Dark, Paintpushers Group Exhibition, Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA (October 2018)
- Concurrent, Paintpushers Group Exhibition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (January-March 2018)
- Compression, Paintpushers Group Show, October 21, 2017, Gateway Lofts, Des Moines, IA 50309
- SKETCHBOOK. A collection of artists books., Art NXT Level Projects/33 Contemporary Gallery at Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL (September-October 2017)
- Iowa State Fair Fine Art Exhibit, Des Moines, IA (August 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011)
- Members Show, Ankeny Art Center, Ankeny, IA (December-January 2017)
- Collision, Paintpushers Group Art Exhibition, Des Moines Social Club, Des Moines, IA (December 2016)
- 50 x 50 Exhibit, Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames, IA (November-December 2016)
- 108th Annual Art Exhibition, Des Moines Women’s Club, Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines, IA (February 2016)
- Women Artists Show, Urbandale Public Library, Urbandale, IA (January-February 2016)
- Local Color, Paintpushers Group Art Exhibition, Des Moines Social Club, Des Moines, IA (December 2015)
- In Black & White, Paintpushers Group Art Exhibition, Fitch Gallery, Des Moines, IA (November 2014)
- Summation, Paintpushers Group Art Exhibition, Fitch Gallery, Des Moines, IA (November 2013)
- Converged Paths. The Journey of Two Women. Andrea Van Wyk and Melynda Van Zee, Joan Kuyper Farver Art Gallery, Pella, IA (March 2011)
“Centering Within” collection installed in client home
“Spheres of Complexity” Series by Melynda Van Zee
“Paths: Seasons” by Melynda Van Zee
Live painting in San Jose, CA.
Melynda at work in the studio
Melynda Van Zee in the studio adding final details to “Unraveled Fears”
Unraveled Fears 48 x 36 Acrylic on Canvas 2017©Melynda Van Zee
Pathways to Freedom 48 x 72 Acrylic on Canvas