About the Artist: Melanie Chouinard

My name is Melanie. I'm a mixed media fantasy artist who specializes in miniature polymer clay sculptures and larger papier mache sculptures. I've been seriously sculpting since late 2010, when I found I really enjoyed the versatility and convenience of polymer clay (no kilns needed). I'm completely self taught and learned my craft through practice and intuition (when moving the clay a certain way feels right, it usually turns out looking right too). I try to let my creations tell or suggest a story of their own so that they form a bond with the viewer. If any one of my creations can make at least one person's eyes light up, I feel it was well worth all the hours of effort put into it. In January of 2011, I started my one woman business of The Silver Branch.

Listening to Haley's tales. TSB 2014

My work can be found in dozens of countries around the world in various private collections and independent boutiques. Personally, I like to take my work to shows, exhibits and festivals around New England. When I attend shows, I'm always accompanied by at least one of my 'helper elves' - my father and sometimes my sister - and it's with their support that I can go to so many places!

Outside of The Silver Branch realm, I am a fantasy novelist, musician who plays piano and harp, humble servant to a flock of parrots and avid nature lover who spends a great deal of time out in the garden, the local forests and the fields around my home.

Posing with Artemis. TSB 2015

All of my sculptures start from my imagination, often changing form as I sculpt them - or as I like to tell people, they take on a life and personality of their own as I work on them. I often don't know exactly how a sculpture will end up until I'm completely done. A love for the forests and seacoast of NH, faeries and folklore has kept my imagination vivid and jam packed full of concepts for new art dolls and sculptures. I am proud to admit I believe in faeries, and I'm often amazed just how many out there honestly do - there are a lot of us. The fae realm is so delightfully playful, yet there's plenty of room for the unexpected, twisted-ness and mystery and that translates wonderfully to sculpture!

Sculpting "Royal Riley" TSB 2014