Melanie Dunea

Melanie Dunea is an award-winning photographer and author based in New York City, who is best known for the book series My Last Supper, as well as her revealing photographs portraits of some of the world’s most celebrated artists, chefs, public figures and tastemakers. politicians and intellectuals. Dunea has established herself as a premier portraitist, covering a wide variety of subjects—from Taylor Swift and Tony Bennett to Anthony Bourdain and Misty Copeland.

Dunea’s most recent projects are two limited-edition scarf collections, titled ‘New York in Bloom’ and ‘Dream,’ based on her photography. (Both collections are available exclusively at [her online shop].) You can check out her latest projects on Creatively [here].

What is the first creative project you remember?

When I was about five years old, I used my Holly Hobbie cartoon sewing machine to make underpants for children who were less fortunate than me. (I imagined that if they were without food, that they must also be without underpants, and this preoccupied my child mind.) I remember my mother and I wrapping the packages in brown paper and mailing them off. The world should thank me for not pursuing a career in fashion. 

Describe your aesthetic in three words.

Simple. Classic. Fun.

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

That’s tough because one way or another, I learn from each collaboration. Pushed to pick, it would be one of the latest commissions for Frenchette Bakery in lower Manhattan. The assignment came with a small list of “must have” shots and the rest was up to me. I amused myself creating lots of different shapes and images with the baked goods and breads. 

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

Every shoot reminds me to thoroughly prepare for things to not go as you planned them. Over the years I’ve built up my ability to pivot on the spot.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

That’s a tough one. Curiosity and creativity go hand in hand, but you can absolutely cultivate it. Dream and try. Stretch. 30 years into my career and I decided to try creating wearable art from my work. It can be done!

What’s the last dream you had?

Hmm … I am sure it had to do with chocolate. 

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

Melanie worked hard to stay out of the picture and was successful in documenting what she saw.

Follow @MelanieDunea on Creatively.

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