“Creativity takes courage.” — Henri Matisse
Latest from the Blog
The Marvelous Miss Anguissola!
Sofonisba Anguissola – try to repeat that name three times fast! The name Sofonisba Anguissola doesn’t necessarily roll off the tongue easily. Not only is it an unusual name, but it is also a name that, for many, many years has gone unnoticed and, for the most part, forgotten. The reason you ask? Well, unfortunately,…
Umberto Boccioni and Futurism
As we turn the page and face a new year, I wanted to talk about an artistic movement that dared to break with the past and create a unique, forward-thinking expression of the world. The movement I refer to is — Futurism. In retrospect, Futurism might seem a little out-dated — being over 110 years old…
The magic of the Magi.
‘Tis the season to be triumphant and jolly! It is also the season to embrace the spirit of hope and miracles of the human heart. When we do — miracles happen. There is no bigger miracle than the birth of a child. It is truly a mystery and wondrous thing, no matter what religion you…
Bringing the “Grand Tour” home!
This is a post reprised from the Studentessa Matta Dual Langauge Italian Blog. To read the post in Italian Click this link Back in the day, to expand your horizons and see great works of art, you had to travel great distances to find it. It was called “The Grand Tour” — and no I’m…
Playlist of Italian Songs for each book I write
Everyone has a different style of writing and a different way of going about the creative process. When it comes to music—some listen to music while they write, and some don’t. I tend to fall into the latter category. During the day, listening to music while I’m putting words together is far too distracting. I…
Continue Reading Playlist of Italian Songs for each book I write
Eternally Artemisia Book Video Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKurWrS4TVM There are so many things to do when an author publishes a new book! Aside from working very hard on the story for over a year (getting the plot lines just right, writing, rewriting, proofing, and rewriting some more) in my case, since I am the author, designer, layout artist, illustrator, publisher, editor, and…
The Japanese art of Kintsugi explained
In my new book “Eternally Artemisia” one of the themes of the book is art therapy. My main character is a therapist who leads retreats in Tuscany. One of the techniques she teaches her group of women who have suffered abuse is the art of Kintsugi. What is this? Let me explain. In Japan, when…
Eternally Artemisia is published!
I am very happy to announce I’ve published my third novel set in Italy! Eternally Artemisia Some loves, like some women, are timeless. After an intense year—yet at the same time a very rewarding year—of research, writing, editing, illustrating, rewriting and countless hours of editing, I’d like to introduce you to my protagonists Artemisia, Maddalena…
The author
Meet Melissa
Melissa Muldoon is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and the principal behind Matta Press. She is the author of “Dreaming Sophia” and “Waking Isabella,” and Eternally Artemisia She has also co-translated her second novel, “Waking Isabella,” into Italian — “Il risveglio di Isabella.”
Through books, blogs, videos, podcasts, social media, and programs to learn Italian in Italy, Melissa promotes the study of Italian language and culture.
