#Melissa Swiatek-Odien

[creativemorningsbuffalo]

Welcome to our monthly interview series, #buffaloiscreative, introducing stellar members of our CMbuf community. Make sure to update your profile for an opportunity to be featured on our blog, newsletter and social media accounts!

Meet Melissa Swiatek-Odien, Owner of DIY Buffalo!

What is your special creative force? Nature.  It comforts me when I'm sad, calms me when I'm anxious and inspires me to enjoy life and create art.   In the spirit of February 2018's theme, #CMcuriosity, can you describe how Buffalo inspires your creativity and curiosity? Buffalo has so many pockets of specialized communities; if you ever want to learn about something new or meet new people, there are community events big and small happening every night of the week.  Whether it's theater, music, technology, meditation, community service, whatever; there are tons of opportunities to explore your interests and curiosities with other people.  I love reading the listings of upcoming community events or meetings in the local papers.  Even if I don't plan to attend, I like learning about what is going on outside of my own sphere, what other people are interested in and how they spend their time; it's kind of like an analog version of Instagram. The diversity of talents and interests in this city is really inspiring. What project are you working on right now that we should all know about? I'm once again combining my passions for art and gardening by creating an inventory of garden accessories that are made from recycled materials and will be available at local garden centers in the spring.  My style is playful but the pieces are functional items like planter boxes, trellises, and bee houses.   Where in Buffalo do you go to be most inspired? The Botanical Gardens at South Park.  Its a place where I can momentarily pause all of my other thoughts and responsibilities. I can sit and quietly reflect, sketch, enjoy nature and even workout if I want to.  I feel so refreshed after spending time there.

Thanks, Melissa!