Artist

Hi, I’m Melissa Kozakiewicz.

I’m an artist originally from Rochester, New York, trained first as a poet. I began my career teaching English and art, and creativity has followed me through everything I’ve done since, from writing and publishing to public art, placemaking, and city government.

I began painting during a period when trauma temporarily took away my ability to speak. In that silence, painting became another language. I started making things because I wanted to create beauty when I was having trouble finding it around me.

Years later, Wild Quiet grew from that same instinct.

I believe in what I call the utility of creativity, the idea that making beautiful things isn't frivolous. Creativity can change how we experience a place, a moment, or even a difficult season of our lives.

Wild Quiet is my small gallery for original artwork. Everything you see here is painted by hand, one at a time. There are no prints, so each piece carries its own little differences and imperfections.

My hope is simple: that something I make gives you a moment of beauty. And maybe it ends up on a shelf, a desk, or a wall and stays with you for a while.

I’m grateful that you’re here and spending some time with my work.

Melissa