My name is Melina and I'm an Artist who makes jewelry. The name LUPANYXA (Loopah-Niksah) was formed by combining the word Lupa from the Latin word for "shewolf", and Nyxa a variation on Nyx: the Greek primordial goddess of, and personification of the Night. Together, I formed these words into LUPANYXA. I feel this name connected deep within me.

 I found my way to jewelry many years after working in the fast-paced costume, clothing and accessory design industries in Los Angeles. My jewelry is responsibly and meticulously crafted by my two hands here in my studio in Portland, Oregon ever since I began making jewelry full time in 2014.

Jewelry is the medium that absolutely captures my attention in every way, as I've always been an artist, sculptor and designer who's obsessed with adornment. Decorating and designing is simply a natural and daily part of my life. My propensity for adorning things was explained to me once I found out I scored in the highest range with 96th percentile in visual-spatial intelligence when I underwent autism testing. Meaning, I naturally think in three-dimensions and highly detailed diagrams as opposed to other types of processing, thinking and intelligence. Yes, I'm actually Autistic and sculpture and working with form has always been my special thing. For me, creating jewelry is like forming tiny wearable sculptures, engineered and built by my hands and is where my brain feels both at home and very free.

The focus of my work is creating wearable art and statement jewelry. I primarily work in silver and gold, and occasionally jeweler's brass, and use recycled, traceable metals, much of which I melt, roll and recycle myself whenever possible.

I care deeply about the quality and integrity of my work and every piece I create goes directly from my hands, to yours.

  I use responsibly sourced stones and gems from mines here in the Americas, and only from the most reputable and ethical, direct suppliers. 

Stone-centric jewelry is also something I enjoy creating, and most of the stones I use in my work are cut in-house by my partner and 2nd generation Indigenous Lapidarist, Max Avila. His mama was a very talented Silversmith and Lapidarist, and she gave me some of my very first jewelry tools and stones to play with, and continues to encourage us with her knowledge and enthusiasm.

I avoid using photo filters, enhancements, touch ups or alter the photos of my work in any way whatsoever. I strive to photograph my jewelry in the most accurate and authentic way, which is why I use natural light as much as possible. I would much rather someone receive a piece of my jewelry and be overjoyed, than to feel the photos were more exciting, or that they misrepresented my work in any way.

My inspiration arises from the mystery of life itself, mythology, the vastness of the cosmos, the stable density of earth, the emotion of water, the invisible messages in the ether, grief, trauma, the excitement of fire, the changing seasons, cycles, rituals, forests, oceans, creatures and all of nature.

I often channel my ancient ancestors and animal allies in my work. I try to honor all peoples, plants and creatures by creating reminders of our connection to each other and most of all the great mystery of being alive. 

We are Nature and Connection is our truth.

  

Past and Current Exhibitions:

Ghost Gallery - Seattle, Washington 'Pollination Syndrome' Group Exhibit 2022

Pacific Crest Creatives - Cle Elum, Washington:  Featured Gallery Artist 2019 - 2022