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Melina Petsolari

Melina Petsolari

Profession
Multidisciplinary artist and storyteller
College
London College of Fashion
Person Type
Alumni
Melina Petsolari

Biography

Melina was born and raised in Athens, Greece and is currently based in London. She describes heself as a multidisplinary artist and storyteller. She studied BA Fashion Styling and Production at London College of Fashion and graduated in June 2019.

Interview

Why did you choose to study at LCF? What attracted you about this university?

LCF was the best fit for me as it constitutes a diversified, liberal, and high-quality academic community which I was confident it would provide me with the necessary skills to develop my artistic capabilities and enhance my expertise as a multidisciplinary artist. In addition, I found LCF highly attractive due to its exceptional reputation and pronounced academics as well as alumni.

Why did you decide to study BA Fashion Styling and Production? 

I decided to study the FSP course due to the broad curriculum it provides. I was given the opportunity to take on a variety of roles from art direction, production, cinematography, styling and photography until I reached and established my own voice. Finding my artistic signature flourished from the various experimentations and briefs that we were given.

I believe that this is what makes this course so unique and distinguishes it from others, the liberty of transfiguring your practice and roles until you find who you want to be.

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

What I enjoyed the most about my course was that I was able to apply multidisciplinary skills on several different roles and was constantly encouraged to push the boundaries of creativity. This was achieved by the extensive workshops, briefs, and lectures that we were given.

About your final project: Which topic did you explore and why did you choose it? 

For my FMP I created a moving image displayed as a triptych called The Aeon of Liquid Mourn. It isa voyage of the Anthropoceneand an honest depiction of our current climate crisis. I decided to produce this body of work in response to our current socio-political condition. The Aeon of Liquid Mourn seeks to raise awareness and portray the catastrophic actions of humankind such as marine pollution, one of the most severe issues of the 21st century. Being a storyteller comes with the responsibility of discussing and producing artworks that inform the viewer of society’s biggest problems. Climate change needs to be addressed as it is a phenomenon directly impacting our everyday life, therefore my last project at LCF had to be the most substantial. The Aeon of Liquid Mournreimagines human intervention by converting the subjects from their natural state into a personified geological intrusion as a consequence of marine life’s evaporation. It reconceptualizes human interference, were man is now the animal that is mistreated.

The most demanding part regarding my research and overall project was the depiction of marine life at the cellular level. I wanted to portray aquatic life beyond the bare eye and to achieve this I collaborated with scientists from the Francis Crick Institute. What I wanted to establish was for the viewer to reconsider their actions and appreciate the input that aquatic animals and nature provide to making human life better. Responding to a matter that should concern everyone and creating raw imagery to address this issue was another challenge in the realization of this project.

Best piece of advice you received from a lecturer/tutor during your time at LCF?

To be authentic and believe in yourself.

What have you been working on since finishing your course?

Since graduating I have been working on developing my machine learning skills by undertaking several summer extensive courses and practical work. By doing so, my aim is to create a novel computational algorithm which will bridge innovation and creativity targeting the establishment of a new art movement. My purpose is to create a radical and substantial body of work. My objective is to realize interactive imagery which I believe will be the art movement of the future. I am also working collaboratively on several freelance projects with designers and artists that I am very excited to share in the near future.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the creative fields and fashion appeared to be the best of both worlds as it encompasses art, design, storytelling and photography all in one discipline.

For you, what's the best thing about your job/profession?

The best thing about being a creative is the freedom of expression and the liberty you are given to communicate ideas, stories and social challenges that need to be overcome. It is also a great privilege to collaborate with other talented individuals and produce a significant body of work.

What are your plans for the next few years? Where would you like to see yourself professionally?

Forthcoming, I am thrilled to embark my postgraduate studies at the Royal college of Art reading Information Experience Design, a unique field which I am looking forward to be challenged but also contribute to through my practice. Looking ahead, professionally, I see myself as a Filmmaker and Digital Artist with the ultimate goal of establishing my own studio or creative company bridging the arts and sciences.

What advice would you give to potential students who would like to enrol on BA Fashion Styling and Production?

This may be an obvious point but perhaps one of the most crucial that young pupil have the tendency to forget, the importance of learning. During your university years you will have the chance to learn from experts in various disciplines and uncover your passions which will shape your academic and professional directions. Secondly, get engaged, the importance of learning is one of the most significant however, there is a whole new world to learn from outside the classroom. So, take every opportunity that comes your way and do make the most out of it by pushing your comfort zone and trying new things. Finally, be original, do not compare yourself to others and never stop creating. Being a part of the LCF community will be one of the most memorable things of your life.

Links

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR