Melomaine
After completing my master's degree in photography at SCAD, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating the next steps in my creative journey. Unsure of where to direct my passion, I decided to delve into a project that had been brewing in my notes app for the past two years. Fueled by time constraints and the lack of detailed miniatures, I finally took the plunge into what would become my first post-graduation project - “Melomaine”.
“Melomaine” was not just a solo venture; it was a collaborative effort with my husband, whose deep-rooted love for music served as the project's inspiration. As a former choir kid hailing from a musical family, my husband's profound connection with music became the driving force behind the entire project. Little did he know, he would become my unintentional collaborator, providing valuable input for each diorama and meticulously inspecting the authenticity of every photograph.
The essence of “Melomaine” lay in portraying a diverse range of musical genres, spanning from jazz and classical to 90's R&B. Drawing inspiration from photos and immersing myself in videos, I painstakingly ensured that each fashion doll's pose and the overall aesthetic captured the true essence of the musical world. It was a difficult process, but the attention to detail was important in order to convey realism to the audience.
My husband's involvement extended beyond the visuals; he curated the accompanying Spotify playlist, truly enriching the entire experience. His musical knowledge, coupled with his commitment to authenticity, made him an important part of the project. Every diorama bore his mark, and each photograph had to meet his standards, resulting in a project that resonated with a genuine love for music.
“Melomaine” proved to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects in my Zine portfolio. The dedication to capturing realistic musical instruments and aesthetics demanded time and effort, but the end result made it all worthwhile. The project became a true labor of love, blending my husband's musical influence, my newfound appreciation for music, and the visual storytelling skills honed during my academic journey.
Released in November 2022, “Melomaine” invites readers to explore a miniature world where music comes to life. If you missed the initial release, copies are still available in the shop. So grab a copy, immerse yourself in the playlist, and lose yourself in the musical world of “Melomaine”. It's more than just a Zine to me; it's a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and the universal language of music.
