The Circle of life in art
Melany
C., born in Limassol, Cyprus, in 1999, is an artist whose practice delves deeply into themes of transformation and rebirth. Her primary material is shedding snake skins (ethically collected) which serves as both medium and metaphor. Her unique connection with reptiles has allowed her to study and understand the shedding process, called ecdysis, which she views as a profound source of inspiration. This natural and symbolic act mirrors the spiritual and emotional shedding that humans undergo to heal from psychological trauma.
Interview with Melany C.
1
Sustainable practices on the edge between fashion and art
Her work is deeply rooted in the principles of social and environmental sustainability, emphasizing reuse, repurposing, and recycling. She incorporates materials like used textiles, shedding skins, dried flowers, and technology into her art as storytelling elements. Melany draws a symbolic parallel between the shedding of snake skin and the protective nature of fabric, as both serve to shield the body while expressing identity.
“The philosophy of my installations is social and environmental sustainability. Reuse, repurpose and recycle are my methodology of work. I choose to work with used textiles, scarps, dead or dried flowers, shed animal skins such as snake skin while I am using technology as a storytelling tool. My artworks are a series of contemporary folk tales that complete each other.”
“My creative motivation lies in understanding and accepting the fragile, fleeting nature of life“
— Melany
2
Reinterpretation of traditional weaving
A central focus of her art is the revival and reinterpretation of traditional weaving techniques, such as loom work and embroidery. By integrating snake skins into woven creations, she bridges ancient craft with contemporary symbolism. For her, weaving is not just a process but a meditative and therapeutic act, a personal ritual of healing and reflection.
Through her exploration of weaving traditions passed down through generations, Melany reconnects with her Cypriot roots while crafting a narrative that ties the personal, the natural, and the cultural. Her work is a celebration of resilience, transformation, and the enduring bond between humans and their environment
3
The fragile and the rebirth
“I started my creative journey with the idea of rebirth and self-healing, with an installation of weaved dried flowers and shed snake skin. Following that, I dealt with life in its purest form: the skin. I created an installation with a real snake skin (ethically collected) along with a video of a snake running on my body, as the most profound way to celebrate life.” Melany tells, giving us an insight into the depth of a world shaped by the trnsformational power of life. “Then, I challenged myself with the idea of death; I created a video installation with my mother laying in a deathbed and myself, as a mortician, painting her face.”
Through her work, Melany crosses the border between life, change and rebirth, understanding the circularity of the living and transformational process of all things. Melany conceives the intersection between life, art and textile practices, as the acceptance of the transience of life, not as death but as a creative tool that enhances the principle that nothing ends, everything gets transformed and becomes something new.
“My creative motivation lies in understanding and accepting the fragile, fleeting nature of life. Inspired by the circle of life, I work with ethically collected dead nature,dried flowers, shed snake skin, and used textiles.to craft bold, interactive worlds. My philosophy is rooted in sustainability: reuse, repurpose, recycle. Through my art, I tell contemporary folk tales, blending tradition with modern storytelling”
We invite you to tell your story, submitting your perspective and the authenticity of artistic and fashioning practices.
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates.
Leave a Reply