Photo Credit: Nityia Przewlocki
About Melina Meza
Growing up in Northern California, I found solace and inspiration in the natural world, shaping my path as both a lens-based artist and a wellness advocate.
At the heart of my practice lies a reverence for the present moment, where mindfulness and artistic expression intertwine. Through my images, I explore the profound connection between inner peace and the Earth’s awe-inspiring beauty. Photography, for me, is a meditative act of co-creation with the nature.My work incorporates a diverse array of techniques, including in-camera multiple exposures, motion, and macro photography, resulting in a poetic interpretation of the landscape. Beyond aesthetics, my creative alliance with nature is grounded in an understanding of its healing properties. As a passionate advocate for wellness, I strive to share the transformative benefits of immersing oneself outdoors. Through my art and teachings, I want to inspire others to cultivate a meaningful connection with their environment, fostering harmony, joy, and a sense of belonging.Solo Exhibitions
2024 "Nature Muse" Home Gallery, Oakland, CA 2024 "Nature Medicine" Washington Township Building, Sewell, NJ 2023 "Yosemite Dream" Home Gallery, Oakland, CA2023 "Reciprocity" NY2CA Gallery Benicia, CA2022, “Pause" Next Space Co-working, Santa Cruz, CA 2022, “Poetic Nature" Home Gallery, Oakland, CA2022, “Pause” The Lightroom, Berkeley, CA 2021, “Following the Light” Home Gallery, Oakland, CA 2018, “Enchanted Landscape – Iceland” Home Gallery, Oakland, CA 2017, “Wonderment” Home Gallery, Oakland, CA2016, “Dreamscapes” Home Gallery, Oakland, CA 2014, “Yogis in Nature” Mountain Yoga, Oakland, CA 2014, “Yogis in Nature” Berkeley Iron Works, Berkeley, CA2013, “Branching” Rare Bird, Oakland, CA2012, “In Season and On the Go” 8 Limbs Yoga Centers, Seattle, WAGroup Exhibitions 2024
"The Favorite Picture You Took in 2023" Juror Aline Smithson, Lenscratch Part 13 (online) "Pretty in Pink" Juror Ann Jastrab and Jan Watten, Gray Loft Gallery, Oakland, CA "Interiors" Juror Ann Mitchell, A Smith Gallery, Johnston, TX “SHOTS” Magazine Issue No. 162 Moving Pictures“Alameda on Camera” Juror Indira Martina, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Alameda, CA “Sanctuary” *Received Director's Award, Juror Kevin Tully, A Smith Gallery, Johnston, TX “All About the Light” Juror Michael Pannier, Southeast Center for Photography, S. Carolina, SE
“A Sense of Place” Juror Paula Tognrelli, Photo Place Gallery, Middlebury, VT
“Yosemite Muse Collection” The Grand Gallery, Oakland, CA
“Summer” Southeast Center for Photography, Juror Aline Smithson, Southeast Center for Photography, S. Carolina, SE
“Among the Trees” Juror Jan Watten, Gray Loft Gallery, Oakland, CA
“Chappaqua Crossing Building - Vestibule Artwork” in Chappaqua, NY
“Open/Unmoored” Juror Deborah Klomp Ching, A Smith Gallery, Johnston, TX
“Landscape” Juror Anne Jastrab, Photo Place Gallery, Middlebury, VT
“Human Presence: Faces, Figures, Crowds” Belvedere Tiburon Library
“Momentum” EBPCO Member's Exhibition” Juror Malcolm Wallace, East Bay Photo Collective, Oakland, CA
“The Sheridan Prize for Art” *Received Honorable Mention, Juror Eduardo Soler, Oakland, CA
“Exquisite Little Things”, Juror Jan Watten, Gray Loft Gallery, Oakland, CA
Group Exhibitions 2023
"Winter Magic", Holiday Pop Up, Home Gallery, CA"The de Young Open", San Francisco, CA"Summer Salon", Gray Loft Gallery, CA - Juror Jan Watten "Quiet Landscapes", PhotoPlace Gallery, VA - Juror Wendi Schneider"The Get Aways", H Gallery, Ventura, CAJuror for the exhibit, "Alameda On Canter", Frank Bette Center for the Arts, CAGroup Exhibitions 2022
“Shades of Gray”, Gray Loft Gallery, Oakland, CA - Juror Jan Watten