Welcome, I'm Melissa Blythe Knowles...
I'm a photographer, creative health educator and practitioner, outreach coordinator, and artist-curator who, quite simply, wants to cultivate the kind of creative engagement that sparks happiness, health, and harmony.
MY WORK
For years, I had the privilege of studying with the late John Diamond, M.D. whose holistic approach to health and life, combines a wide array of medical, creative, cultural, spiritual, and philosophical practices that resonate deeply within me. I am passionate in advocating for the powerful contribution of creativity to health and wellness within the organizations I am involved with, my community, and the broader fields of Creative Health and Therapeutic Arts Education. Dr. Diamond had a profound impact on my understanding of health, and combined with my background in education, visual anthropology, and therapeutic arts gave me a unique perspective on the power of creativity in healing and personal growth. I specialize in working with communities in Martha's Vineyard, New England, and the Hudson Valley region of New York.
WHAT I DO
Garden & Plant Photography
Gardens hold a special place in our lives. They are not just a collection of plants, but rather, living, breathing art, where the elements of nature dance in a tapestry of colors and textures that delight the senses. There is something inherently beautiful about the way they evolve over time, and the lessons they offer us open a doorway into culture and healthy living. Personally, I find solace in nature, and as a photographer, with each picture, I hope to inspire a sense of wonder, imagination, and tranquility. If you are searching for a photographer with a sophisticated and sensitive eye for the emotional landscape of nature, I would be honored to tell the story of your garden through my lens.
Portraits for Families, Schools, & Individuals
Portraits are the heart and soul of my studio, The Mindful Photographer. Each session is personalized to tell your unique story, with a special focus on those facing health and other life challenges. Whether you prefer indoor sessions, outdoor setups, or both settings, I am are here to create an enjoyable, natural, and attentive experience for families, schools, and individuals seeking portraits.
Creative Health Education
Creativity is an essential yet often the most overlooked aspect of our wellbeing, much in the same way as our physical and social-emotional health are. It is so deeply embedded in what makes us human, that throughout history we have recognized the healing benefits of creative expression and engagement with nature.
Despite this, many of us today are siloed from creative, cultural, and nature-based experiences, and this lack of engagement has shown to be the the root of many mental health issues. I bring a kaleidoscope of creative experiences around photography, painting, writing, and singing, to schools, hospitals, and nonprofits, including the Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School, MV Center for Living, and Penikese Island School.
Visual Meditation
Join me in exploring the calming practice of visual meditation, perfect for those who appreciate quiet moments and the beauty of nature. Together, we will come into rhythm with nature, using special cameras and lenses that I provide, to frame moments of stillness and beauty, and focus on elements that draw you in and evoke a sense of peace and harmony.
First Aid Fine Art
I find solace in creating and connecting with nature, even during experiences of illness, loss, and grief. I wanted to share this gift of creativity and healing with others going through their own struggles which is how the First Aid Fine Art kits came to be.
Each kit includes three 4" by 4" nature photo cards, printed by hand on high-quality matte paper. These cards are blank on the reverse, encouraging patients and their loved ones to exchange heartfelt messages with each other, as well as with their medical team. Small by design, each card is accessible, whether it's on a bedside table, a hospital tray, or in a pocket, so that moments of respite, beauty, and connecting are always close by.
Creative House Calls
The Creative House Calls initiative is a personalized creative service that allows individuals to enjoy a variety of artistic activities in the comfort of their own home. Tailored for residents of nursing homes and independent living communities, this initiative seeks to provide easy access to creative experiences and alleviate feelings of social isolation. Through engagement in these activities, participants can improve their mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance their overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Visual Storytelling
"Storytellers are the custodians of human history, the recorders of the human experience, the voice of the human soul."
As a visual storyteller, I keep my eyes open to the story potential in day-to-day events. My task, not to simply record or replicate an event exactly, but to find the core of the experience. Giving form to those moments of the human experience, often those simple moments that go unnoticed is, for me, a spiritual path that can focus our attention on promoting the health of people and planet.
I've collaborated on cause -driven efforts such as ending child labor, ensuring food equity and housing security, and championing conservation, creativity, and education.
Pop-Ups & Exhibits
Art is a powerful form of medicine that I bring into community, educational, and healthcare settings through pop-ups, exhibits, and art donations. Each carefully crafted piece, from those that encourage meditation and contemplation to those that deliver messages of fairness, human connection, and healing, is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination.
