Meet Melanie Audet | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Audet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I have plenty of favorite quotes and affirmations, but I think the one(s) that resonate with me the most are the ones about working. Kiki Smith says, “Just do your work, and if the world needs your work, it will come and get you…” Picasso says something similar, “Inspiration exists, but it must find your working.” Jim Butcher has the short but poignant phrase, “Just keep going”.

I like to remember these quotes when I start doubting myself or the process. Or when I stop being so busy and look around and ask myself, “what the hell am i doing?” Of all the jobs I’ve had (or have), being an artist is probably my favorite. Bob Dylan says, “Some people feel the rain, and others just get wet.” That quote really speaks to me, cause that’s how I see the world. This ever-present creative spirit that exists in everything is something I experience regularly. I find the creative spirit in those who can understand numbers, math and finance. Good for them! I don’t understand it well, but for some who do, there is a particular passion that I can “see” and respect. My passion happens to be creating color and the process of dyeing fabric and creating community with that passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a fabric dyer and a multimedia artist. I work in both synthetic and natural dyes and I have two different lines that reflect each. Melanie Audet Limited Editions is my limited edition small production line with a smattering of fine art pieces. I started this branch of my business years ago after graduating from the Oregon College of Art and Craft. I attended art fairs and sold various hand dyed, pre-made items such as scarves, bed sheets, pillows, purses etc. I took a break and attempted a different career path, eventually working in the Kids programs at Care and Share Food Bank in Colorado Springs. I left that career after the birth of my first child and slowly started my way back into my art career. For a time, I was part of a non-profit textile organization called Textiles West organizing and teaching classes. With the onset of Covid, Textiles West closed. By that time, my children were older and I was able to spend more time in my studio. I also took time to add to my skill set by learning various natural dye techniques. I chose to re-launch my original Limited Editions brand with the addition of another brand, Twig and Berry Dyes. Twig and Berry dyes is a natural dye line that sells both natural dye supplies and hand dyed items, mostly for baby. I changed the focus of my limited edition line and currently I dye lengths of silk and have it professionally made into neck ties, bow ties and pocket squares. I have plans to expand, but my starting point has been neckwear. I enjoy the format of neckwear and believe it brings a certain elegance to outfits in either gender, whether formal or casual. The change in focus is my attempt to help alleviate the massive impact fast fashion has on the environment and try to bring an awareness to a slow fiber/fashion movement. The challenge with a dwindling fashion icon, such as the necktie, is making it relevant in the face of extinction, especially in the workplace.

I also teach classes at the Manitou Art Center and host community projects such as Blue Hands Festival, a grant funded event open to the public to come and use indigo vats and learn easy shibori techniques.
To say I have my hands in many pots is a diplomatic way of saying, I have a lot going on. Some days it can be overwhelming. That’s when the motivational quotes “just keep going” by Jim Butcher and “just do your work…” by Kiki Smith kick in and I wake up the next day and figure out what’s next on the to-do list. I don’t regret my path, though there may be some things I would’ve done differently. My time at both nonprofits taught me I enjoy doing things for the community. Art can be an oasis in a desert of daily drudgery. Showing people a part of that oasis is a mission to help mitigate and encourage good mental health practices. Whether people choose to do it as a hobby or find their passion, I know it’s a place for them to go, explore and relate to their creativity. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first place I’d take friends visiting Manitou is the Manitou Art Center. It’s such a great community art center with so many great people. We’d look at the latest art show in the Hagnauer Gallery and in the First Amendment Gallery. We’d peruse gift ideas at Jibwa Open Studio and Gifts run by a very talented artist K8e Orr. She makes and sells a menagerie of jewelry, stickers, and fine art. Then we’d walk around the MAC “campus” The MAC has plenty of other working artists that have studios and sell their work such as J9 Glass, Ken Cowdery Laser Cut lamps, and prints by Tricia Soderberg and Ramona Lapsley to name a few. The MAC is also open for public use; you can become a MAC member for 23 hour access to the studios or if you have a Pikes Peak Library card, you can take certification classes through the library and learn how to safely use the different spaces (Jewelry, textiles, printmaking, welding, woodworking and blacksmithing to name a few).

After the MAC, I’d take them on a local hike-either the Intemann or Red Mountain or if we were really motivated maybe the Incline-maybe. After the hike, grab something to eat at one of the many restaurants in town either at Swirl for mixed drinks and tapas or the Keg Lounge for burgers and steaks or the Loop for margaritas and Mexican food.

I’d take them to Rockledge Ranch and hike around there. It’s a historic site with some of the first homes in Colorado Springs. The homes are occasionally open to the public for tours. During the fall season, we’d attend the annual Native American Pow Wow and watch the dancers. We’d eat at one of the many excellent restaurants in the Old Colorado City area, either Jake and Telly’s for Greek food, La Baguette French Bistro for their French onion soup or Slice 420 for some of the best za in Colorado.

One day I’d take them to the many museums in Colorado Springs. Start at the U.S Olympic and Paralympic Museum, then the Fine Arts Center with its excellent collection of art, both historic and contemporary. Right next to the FAC is the Money Museum. There are plenty of other museums such as the Space Foundation Museum, and the National Museum of World War II Aviation. There’s the El Pomar Penrose Heritage Museum at the Broadmoor, then walk around the grounds of the Broadmoor with their small collections of various exhibits, from celebrities who’ve stayed at the Broadmoor to paintings on the walls.

At night, I’d take them to Ivywild School and have a beer at Bristol Brewery or a mixed drink at the Principal’s office or Axe and Oak Whiskey. Ivywild is an elementary school turned community marketplace where you can get dinner at one of the many restaurants and drinks at the aforementioned spots.

One day we’d go up the pass and visit the Molly Kathleen Mine in Cripple Creek. It goes 1000 ft below the surface and gives a tour and history of the mining industry. Then next we’d go further up the pass and soak in one of the many hot springs near Buena Vista, either Cottonwood or Mt Princeton. Before soaking, we’d visit St. Elmo ghost town. It’s about an hour and a half drive up to Cripple Creek and Buena Vista, but it’s such a beautiful drive.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank my family and all of my friends for helping me get to this point, in one way or another. Some of you lended emotional support, believing in me during times when I found it hard to believe in myself. Others have taught me hard life skills spanning various topics, from my craft to admin duties related to operating an organization. Others have given me their time, attention and patience as I’ve navigated my career. They’ve gone through my ups and downs, successes and failures, lending support when necessary. I’m not going to go through names-there have been so many of you throughout my life that have contributed so much to who i am today, i don’t want to forget to name anyone. Just know, during times in my life, you are not forgotten. 

Website: www.melanieaudet.com, www.twigandberrydyes.com

Instagram: @maudetlimited_editions, @twigandberrydyes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maudetllc/, https://www.facebook.com/twigandberrydyes/, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092373702571

Image Credits
Amber collection photos: Brian Tryon artists portrait: Brian Tryon