MELANY
BAO
3D Modeling
Drawings
Melany Bao is a 2025 BFA graduate in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts (SVA), currently based in New York as an illustrator and designer.
Her work delves into the interplay between psychology, biology, and human emotion, aiming to depict how mental health influences physical well-being.
melanybao.art@gmail.com
Rooted Damage
The spleen, associated with worry and overthinking, is linked to the earth element. Earth embodies stability and grounding, yet when overwhelmed by constant mental strain, it becomes stagnant and unyielding. This work explores how prolonged emotional stress weakens the body, as the spleen absorbs the excess energy from worry. The earth element's capacity for renewal is depicted, but only when emotional burdens are acknowledged and processed. The work reflects the need to release mental strain in order to restore vitality and balance to the body.