Mel was born and raised in San Francisco and Daly City. He recalls early childhood bus rides on the 14 Mission with his Grandmother, as they made their way to shop at Mission Market, and the sound of bells and people in the neighborhood. He remembers fondly the food, the sense of culture, and, most of all, the art. Early 90’s graffiti and the murals of the Mission District influenced and shaped who Mel is as an artist today. Other influences
include music and comic books. Today, Mel’s guiding compass as an artist is the communities he works in- talking to the people, understanding their stories and ultimately aiming to create art that represents them and has a positive impact. His mural work can be found in almost every district of San Francisco.
Artist Jon Doe Photographer Jane Anderson
