Art is always invested with the expressions of its creator, but for me this is especially true. Social interaction has routinely challenged me. When I speak, words often come out nervous and jumbled. When I write, the intended meaning is rarely communicated. Self-portraiture has been the avenue through which I have been most successful at conveying the facets of my expressive self – that I am strong and beautiful; that I am afraid and alone; that I am joyful and ecstatic; that I am a woman. Photography is the literal and figurative lens I offer to others. Moreover, photography is great fun. I adore finding antique jewelry and garments in thrift shops and out-of-the-way stores run by elderly women. I love buying buckets of make-up, both subtle and garish, and experimenting with a particular image I have in my brain. Stealing away for hours at a time in my studio to create a character and capture it – sometimes with only one shot, sometimes not at all. Can I do this? Can I transform myself? Can I disappear? Will I still be there beneath the surface? It is the best of struggles and the right kind of struggle for me.

Website - www.CassandraMelena.com/

My Blog -

cassandramelena.tumblr.com/

Travel Blog -

travelerowl.tumblr.com/

Etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/LePaperOwl

Facebook me www.facebook.com/Cass.Melena