From a young age, Toronto-born Melissa Crook has been interested in depicting nature with elements of fantasy. She started drawing at the age of 5 when her Mom taught her the basics, and has never stopped. Her degree in Design has influenced her art by being able to recognize the effectiveness of simple visual communication. Her highly detailed subjects are often isolated on blank backgrounds, and are inspired by classic literature, the gothic novel and folk tales. Ever the active imagination, she has always found beauty in the unconventional, or was otherwise inspired to give the conventionally beautiful, a subtle touch of darkness. Her work aims to evoke the viewer’s own imagination, as well as offering a glimpse into her own mind.