Melody Epperson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Melody, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt genuine joy was last week when I met an adorable two-week-old alpaca named Little Larry. His mother rejected him, so the farmer—who is also named Larry—has been bottle-feeding him. This little guy followed my photographer friend and me around throughout our visit. That visit was part of a project called Dust to Apples: Colors of the Eastern Plains, where I visit farms on the Eastern Plains each week.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Melody Epperson. I am a Colorado artist and passionate storyteller dedicated to exploring the complex relationships between people and the natural world. Drawing from both personal history and collective memory, I create immersive artwork that reflects the beauty and the fragility of our connection to the land.
I believe art is a powerful tool for communication. My work is rooted in sharing insights and asking questions that engage the viewer’s mind and invite deeper reflection.
Currently, I’m working on a series of encaustic mixed media paintings using inks I’ve made from plants gathered on the Colorado plains. This body of work is deeply connected to my family history, particularly the story of my great-grandparents, who homesteaded on the Eastern Plains to grow dryland wheat.
My creative process always begins with a sense of wonder. In the past, I’ve been fascinated by memory—why some moments are remembered and others forgotten. This curiosity has led me to reflect on my own memories, as well as those handed down through generations.
One such story is how my grandparents left their home in Springfield in the early 1930s during the Dust Bowl and moved to the mountains near Guffey, Colorado. They made the journey by covered wagon—even as cars were already traveling those same roads.
That image stays with me: a blend of hardship and resilience, tradition and change. It’s in that in-between space—where memory meets imagination—that my work continues to grow.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As a child, I spent much of my time making things. I learned best by doing—an approach deeply supported by the values my parents instilled in me. Both were progressive educators, and I attended an experiential-based school that encouraged exploration and allowed me to pursue my passions freely. I saw the world as a place of endless possibility.
There wasn’t just one defining event that shaped how I interact with the world. It was a collection of small, meaningful moments: picking flowers, making crayon rubbings, reading books, watching clouds, listening to aspen trees, and observing bugs. These experiences nurtured the integrated way I see the world today. To me, everything is connected. You might call me a generalist—or perhaps a big-picture thinker.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I change my mind about big ideas all the time. One of the most significant shifts for me has been in my spiritual life. As I’ve matured and lived through life’s hardships, I’ve come to believe that there isn’t just one answer to life’s big questions. I’ve learned to accept uncertainty—and to find peace in not knowing. At the same time, I see universal truths woven through many wisdom traditions, offering shared insight and connection across differences.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
One person I deeply admire for their character is my husband, Alex. It might sound cliché, but his integrity and moral compass are unmatched in my experience. I’ve always looked up to people who stand up for what’s right—historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Ruth Bader Ginsburg also inspire me for that reason.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What light inside you have you been dimming?
This is such a great question—and one I’ve been asking myself lately, too. I do sometimes dim my light. When I sense that someone feels insecure or judgmental, I tend to downplay my successes. I also hold back when I worry about coming across as self-centered or conceited. And sometimes, I shrink out of fear that I might disappoint myself. I’m a very driven person, always reaching for big ideas, but I’ve noticed that not everyone is comfortable with that kind of ambition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melodyepperson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melody.epperson/
- Linkedin: Melody Epperson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheDidWeWill
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyepperson
- Other: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/melody-epperson
Image Credits
Judy Doherty, Melody Epperson
