Grounded

Click to read artist statements.

Not For Sale

Melanie Platt, Melrose, MA

violets
ink wash and gouache

I am an artist originally from the seacoast of NH, now living in Boston, MA. I recently returned to art after about a decade-long hiatus. I've always struggled with my relationship with art. I often found myself stifled with external pressures to create commercially viable work and internal pressures of perfectionism. This caused me to become resentful and disconnected from my original love for the creative process. After growing as an adult on a different path, I was drawn back to art unexpectedly, with a new outlook that was free of such expectations. Now, I'm embarking on a new exploration of my artistic voice. I'm immersing myself in different mediums and subjects, allowing curiosity and experimentation to guide my practice. I'm often drawn to the human form, portraiture, and expressions of femininity. I also find myself intrigued by landscapes, intricate florals and nature, and how human figures interact with this space. The mediums I enjoy working with most include gouache, watercolor, oil, charcoal, and ink wash. My current work reflects this rebuilding of my artistic identity.

David Hanna

Witch's Hat
pen and ink

After 30 years with the Dover, NH Fire Department—28 on the line and two as Assistant Chief—I’ve transitioned from firefighting to fully embracing my lifelong creative passions for drawing and woodworking. With an architectural degree from the University of Maryland ('93) and over 15 years of experience, I’ve always been captivated by the elegance of structures, light and shadow, and the interplay of figure and ground. Art has been my way of balancing the intensity of firefighting with a quieter, introspective outlet. For much of my life, my work remained private—a personal process of reflection and exploration. But now, in retirement, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing curiosity, and sharing my journey. Through pen-and-ink drawings, I strive to capture the essence of an image by stripping it to its barest and most powerful form. By reducing subjects to their core elements through simplicity and contrast, I aim to evoke emotion and connection. This phase of life is about freedom: exploring without boundaries, taking risks, and enjoying creativity’s unexpected twists. It’s a time to create, connect, and find joy in the process.