Artist’s Bio

Melissa Simser was born in Saratoga Springs, New York, and spent her childhood traveling back and forth between New York and Florida. She graduated from Deland High School in 2005 and immediately enrolled in the Daytona Beach Community College photography program. After completing her associates degree in 2007 Melissa began her bachelors degree at the University of Central Florida, where she will be graduating from in May 2009. Melissa has participated in many local group art shows and, last spring, was awarded first place in the international student PIEA contest. This is her first solo show.

Artist’s Statement

“After Dark” was created over the past year at locations I found in both New York and Florida. What started out as an experiment with color turned into a project that I couldn’t stop working on. The final images are a mixture of setting and narrative. The spots I chose to photograph all had a mysterious and slightly ominous quality, and I was attracted to them because of the color of the light. Each photograph is intentionally openended. I hope that when viewing these images, everyone will create their own personal storyline.

 

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