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Melissa Murphy
Melissa Murphy is a professional muralist, graphic designer, video producer, and photographer who grew up in Orange County and graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach. She also teaches art to children through the Orange County Probation Department.
Where are you from?
HB!
What first inspired you to be creative? What inspires you to be creative today?
Growing up in HB. I was able to surf every day before and after school. So much of my work is ocean-oriented – I love painting sea life.
How has your artwork changed over time?
I’ve always loved bright colors and creating happy subjects. The animals I create are always happy and in bright colors. I want to try and spread joy to people. I had a gentleman reach out saying that when he flew home from deployment in Iraq and went through John Wayne, seeing my murals made him smile for the first time in a while. That feels good.
What’s your “pre-creativity” ritual? What gets you in your creative groove?
Surfing and free diving in Laguna. Or being anywhere in HB.
What makes you feel connected to Surf City Still Works/HB/SoCal?
I’m very connected to HB and Surf City Still Works is particularly unique. I’ve loved watching them grow and really rep HB.
How does it feel to walk into a TotalWine or Albertsons and see your art sitting on a bottle sitting on that shelf?
Really cool! It’s so awesome to be a part of Surf City Still Works – my artwork is all over! What an honor.
