words: Chelsea Waddell
After multiple years of filming with Think Thank and releasing award winning video parts, Desiree Melancon has made quite the name for herself in the world of snowboarding. However, even the heaviest chargers have to take the occasional breather and Desiree dedicates her down time to making beautiful things. From erotic paintings, to snowboarding, to space, her work knows no boundaries and is as outspoken as she is. There’s a purpose for each line and intention in every detail — all which tell stories that will make you blush, laugh or be completely mystified.
It’s really hard to put the type of work you do under a label. How would you describe your artistic style?
AF1234
I’ve seen AF1234 all over your artwork. What does it mean?
I guess it’s just my current alias. When I was younger I thought putting my name on stuff was kind of cheesy, so I found a label to put everything I was proud of under.
What is your favorite medium?
I’ve always been a fan of the pen and colored pencils. It varies depending on what’s available at the time. When I travel I bring the basics, but when I’m home I like working with acrylic and recently wood has been a good base.
Is there a specific place that has really inspired you as an artist?
I think traveling as a whole is pretty inspiring. You go somewhere you haven’t been to before, look around, feel it out and that builds momentum in your brain. It’s not a specific place, but it’s more of the act of going to and experiencing those places that kind of drives the mind.
With all of the traveling and unpredictable elements that come with filming, how does art keep you grounded?
I am a crazy person. If I don’t have a way to extinguish my thoughts and energy, I start to lose it. I go a bit insane if you know what I mean. I also like the feeling that being creative gives me. To watch something from my brain come to life is an accomplishment in itself. Screw being a zombie and watching television or just staring at the computer all day.
So you’re obviously not a huge fan of how technology is affecting our world, but how has social media changed the way you share your artwork? Has it helped or hurt your cause?
It hurts the cause because it’s all just regurgitated bullshit. Once you put something on the feed it’s not special anymore. It’s almost like, “Hey look what I’m doing!” There are so many people doing that. I’m doing that. We all want to be noticed and appreciated. You kind of start to question, “Am I doing this for myself, or am I doing this for other people to see it?” By no means do I care about putting my stuff on Instagram, blogs or the Internet really, but I guess it’s just an outlet like everything else. It benefits me because people see it, but I’m contradicting myself because I hate it. I’d so much rather be able to make this stuff and put it in a form that someone can hold in their hands.
What has been the most memorable response to your artwork?
Mostly people being psyched on the porn works I did. It’s funny what gets people’s attention. I also think I made my friend Terence (Stilin-Rooney) cry when I gave him a portrait of Aaron Fraher. That made me feel good.
How has your art changed over time?
It’s constantly changing. About four years ago I got into doing portraits. From there I just kind of went ape shit. I go back and forth between really tedious, time-consuming projects to stupid greeting card illustrations
and writing blurbs. Most of my favorite works are the ones that took me a couple minutes while I was wasted off of wine.
Do you see yourself pursuing art as a career?
I don’t see myself doing anything else.
How do you want your work to be remembered?
I just want it to make people look, feel or think — even if it’s just for a second.
See also: Artist Profile: Adam Haynes
