Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Justice Rao
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, art has been an integral part of my life. I can remember countless hours spent drawing the faces of girls, an escape into a world of creativity that has only grown richer over time. My father was my first inspiration; I admired his abstract drawings and the way he effortlessly brought ideas to life. Watching him create various forms of artwork nurtured my own passion for expression.
For the past 10 to 15 years, I’ve delved into mixed-media art, treating anything that could hold paint as my canvas. A few years ago, I rediscovered my love for drawing people, spending hours in bookstores marveling at whimsical character illustrations. I began to create my own versions of these quirky girls, immersing myself in the joy of the process. Yet, despite my enthusiasm, I felt something was missing—I longed for more dimension in my work.
That longing led me to explore the world of clay. My first attempt at sculpting a face was a disaster, but determination fueled my perseverance. I practiced relentlessly, experimenting until I developed a technique that resonated with me. Countless YouTube tutorials and online classes became my guides, and gradually, my characters evolved.
Nature and everyday life serve as my greatest inspirations. I love the spontaneity of working with clay; I may start with a vision, but often, the final creation takes me by surprise. I embrace the beauty of imperfection—many of my pieces feature asymmetrical eyes and exaggerated features. It’s this uniqueness that I cherish and aim to express in my art.
In the past year, I’ve focused on creating art dolls and sharing them with the world. Attending craft shows has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the smiles my creations bring to others. When someone chooses to take a piece home, it fills me with joy to know my art can brighten their day.
Though I’m still early in my artistic journey, I’m eager to share my passion for creation with others. For me, art is not just a hobby; it’s a vital form of expression that reflects my innermost feelings and provides a sense of relaxation and fulfillment. I look forward to where this journey will take me, and I am excited to continue creating and inspiring others along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t exactly been smooth—it’s been more like a winding road with incredible scenery along the way! There have definitely been struggles. For one, as a self-taught artist, I often face the challenge of transforming my ideas into reality without formal training. Learning new techniques is an ongoing process, and there are times when I feel frustrated because I can’t always bring my vision to life exactly as I imagine it.
Finding time to create has also been a challenge. For years, I worked in the medical field and was raising two children, so art often had to take a back seat. I’m grateful to have more time to dedicate to my art now, but life can still get in the way, and I don’t always have as much time to create as I’d like.
Another struggle I’ve faced is selling my art. The creative process is time-intensive, especially with some of my more intricate character work, and it’s difficult to get fair compensation for the hours I invest. I’ve learned that it’s best to approach my art without financial expectations. I create because I love it, and any payment I receive is simply a bonus. This mindset allows me to keep my joy in the creative process, regardless of external rewards.
My journey has taught me that creativity is about resilience, patience, and passion. Each twist and turn has shaped who I am as an artist, and despite the struggles, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In 2016, I created Justice Treehouse, a name that embodies the cherished memories of my childhood spent creating art in my treehouse—a place of freedom, creativity, and exploration. Now, I find myself at an exciting crossroads, having embarked on the journey of turning my art into a career. For the past 20 years, I worked as an Ultrasound Technologist, but I felt a deep need for change and new fulfillment. That calling has led me to pursue a degree in Psychology, with the hope of becoming an Art Therapist. Art has been a powerful outlet for me—a way to process emotions, heal, and find joy—and I’d love to guide others in discovering the healing power of creativity for themselves.
To support this transition, I’ve been working to build an online and local presence for my art. I sell my pieces on Etsy, Instagram, Facebook, and my personal website. Some of my work is displayed in a local art studio, and I’ve recently started attending craft fairs to showcase my creations. Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand to art and craft fairs beyond my area to reach even more people.
Making a living as an artist isn’t easy, and it comes with its own set of challenges. That’s why I’m pursuing a “plan B”—furthering my education to gain a foundation in Art Therapy. This journey has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, and while there are unknowns ahead, I feel ready to embrace this path with open arms, wherever it may lead.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Originally from Tampa, I recently made the move to the West Palm Beach area, just about an hour north of Miami. As I’m still settling in and finding my way through the local art scene, Miami has become a major source of inspiration for me. The city’s vibrant art culture, with its galleries, museums, and especially the bold, expressive graffiti covering so many buildings, is truly captivating. Every time I visit, I leave feeling energized and motivated by the creative energy that fills the streets.
However, if I had to name one thing I like the least about Miami, it would definitely be the traffic. Having lived in Los Angeles for a couple of years, I’m no stranger to intense commutes, and Miami’s traffic brings back those memories all too well! Still, the city’s artistic heartbeat makes the trip worth it every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justicetreehouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justicetreehouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justicetreehouse
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/justicetreehouse
Image Credits
Portraits by Mel Thomasson
