This month, we had the opportunity to interview Melissa Sisk, co-op member and active community member, about their creative practice, inspiration, and what being a part of Highpoint has meant to them.
My name is Melissa Sisk, and with over a decade of experience in directing, designing, and creating visual graphics, I’ve built a career focused on both educating and entertaining through visual art. My journey began with creating medical illustrations and animations, transitioned to managing and developing board game art, and more recently, teaching graphic design classes at Dunwoody College of Technology. I’ve also enjoyed engaging in portfolio reviews, speaking events, and art panel moderation. More recently, I’ve been expanding my practice into the world of traditional printmaking, specifically silkscreen printing.
Part of my creative practice is motivated by my love of the natural world and a desire to help others, which led me to earn a Master of Science in Biomedical Visualization. After graduating, I worked at the National Institutes of Health, where I created graphics for publications, marketing materials, and research. Here, I learned how to practice merging creativity with utility, using design to educate and inform while remaining visually captivating and aesthetically strong.
A career-changing opportunity led me to Minnesota, where I joined my dream medical animation company. Here I got to further explore the intersection between art, science, and storytelling while bringing client’s visions to life. I believe that the most powerful visuals are those that marry beauty with precision. This experience taught me how taking risks can lead to incredible rewards.
Today, I combine my passions and experiences by teaching at the college level and creating at Highpoint Center for Printmaking. For me, creative practice is about pushing boundaries—experimenting with new techniques, materials, and ideas. I’m always looking for ways to grow, learn, and refine my work to better communicate the messages I’m passionate about. It also brings me great joy to amplify the work and voices of others.
Can you tell me about some of your current projects/ideas/inspiration?
I’ve recently taken a short break from creating new art after completing a significant project earlier this year: my first solo art show. This project came to life after I spent the summer of 2023 in the south of France. I was inspired by my experience of being an outsider and reflecting on what “otherness” means, both literally and metaphorically. I began thinking about how I could reflect that in my work, and before the plane landed back in Minnesota, I learned about an open call from Alliance Francaise for artists to host their own exhibitions.
This experience deepened my passion for screen printing, and I’m now reflecting on new directions for my work, including expanding my creative practice further into other printmaking techniques and exploring new themes of identity, belonging, and cultural perspectives. At the heart of my work is a desire to spark curiosity and inspire reflection. Whether I’m creating educational visuals or personal artwork, I aim to create pieces that resonate with the viewer long after they’ve seen them.
What drew you to printmaking? Which processes speak to you?
I’m drawn to the versatility of printmaking, where each technique—whether it’s screen printing, etching, or lithography—offers a unique way to tell a story. My original goal in learning screen printing was to create my own graphic novel. Both graphic novels and screen printing allow me to transform intricate designs into tactile, expressive works that resonate visually and physically. Although I’m still in the early stages of developing this graphic novel, I’m gathering experiences and knowledge that will serve as stepping stones, guiding me toward that goal in the future.
You've been involved with Highpoint in several different capacities. Could you talk about your experience?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from screen printing is the importance of letting go of control and embracing the unpredictability of the process. Unlike other mediums, screen printing often requires a balance between precision and chance, and I’ve come to appreciate how mistakes can lead to unexpected discoveries that push the boundaries of my work.
Equally important was learning the courage to ask for help. The kindness and expertise shared by the co-op community helped me embrace the process in new ways and encouraged me to view my strategies differently. As a result, I was able to grow both personally and artistically while steadily moving forward in my work.
As an educator, I believe the Jerome Residency is one of the most important programs offered at Highpoint, as it supports the artistic and career development of early-career printmakers. Artists in this program are not only encouraged to demonstrate imagination and rigor in producing new work, but also embrace curiosity and eagerness to learn technical proficiency and craft. Their practice embodies a distinctive vision and authentic voice, pushing the boundaries of convention through innovation, creative risk-taking, and thoughtful inquiry. By supporting these artists, we help cultivate not only a dynamic and forward-thinking artistic landscape but also a generation of empathetic, open-minded, and inquisitive individuals who will engage with the world in meaningful and transformative ways.
Being a co-op member of Highpoint has profoundly impacted my mind and soul, providing me with invaluable access to a vibrant artistic community and resources that have enriched my practice. The collaborative environment has allowed me to learn from fellow artists, expand my technical skills, and refine my creative vision. Additionally, the opportunity to work in a professional studio has strengthened my confidence, giving me the space to experiment, take risks, and push the boundaries of my work. This experience has not only deepened my artistic growth but has also broadened my professional network and opened doors for future opportunities in the field.
melissasisk.com
Instagram & X: @sisk_meli