About MRK Creations

My mentor and I met in a chess group that got together twice a week back in 2016. He was 72 and I was 22. I was the youngest member of our chess group, and him being the eldest. Little did I know at that time, I would soon be adopted as his granddaughter and apprentice. 

Ever since I could remember, I kept a sketchbook and loved to draw. But never had the opportunity to explore the world of painting prior to meeting Gary.

One day, I brought one of my sketchbooks with me to chess just so Gary could have a look at it. After flipping through the pages. he looked at me and asked;

"Have you ever painted before?"

I told him I'd always wanted to, but sadly hadn't gotten the chance.

Gary then gave me a canvas, access to all his paints and brushes and told me to give it a shot. I hit the ground running, I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Gary Norman Brunt.

Gary became not only my mentor, but my best friend and adopted grandpa. I fell into becoming his primary caregiver and cared for him up until he passed away in February 2019, one week after my 25th birthday.

He taught me everything he could about painting and life, as well as  encouraged me to attend an art program at Sheridan college. Sadly, Gary passed just a few weeks shy of my graduation. 

Gary was not only an amazing artist, but also a recovering alcoholic. He was sober for 34 years at the time of his passing. He chose to never give others advice, but to only speak of his own personal experiences and what he'd gotten from them.

He was thee most wise person I have ever had the pleasure to know. He taught me the definition of humility, which is;

"it is not thinking less of me, but thinking of me less."

I'll carry those lessons with me forever. 

Gary always spoke to me of doing great things with art, and eventually opening up my own business and pursuing a career in art. It pains my heart greatly that he is not physically here to witness the coming together of my business and be able to ask him the many questions I have but I know he is still here watching over me, guiding me in the direction I need to go. 

My work, and my business is dedicated to Gary Brunt, for the unconditional love and support from my mentor is what got me to where I am today.

Everything I do is for you, Gary. I owe everything I am to you, and I hope you're looking down from the stars proud of what we've done in a short period of time. 

 This online store had been in the works for quite some time. It has been a labour of love to launch my business to the online world, and I am so excited to be able to share my work and some stories behind them and what they mean to me. 

All my pieces are open to interpretation, what I see in a painting might be different from what you see and that's ok! its encouraged! I simply express what I see and feel from creating my work, what someone else perceives might be different which is why I love what I do so much! 

I love hearing what other people see and feel from a piece because it allows me to see it from a different perspective and notice things I may not have before. 

I'm so excited to bring my business right to your phone or computer, and thank you to everyone for the support. I cannot express how grateful I am to be able to share my work for others to enjoy, it's really the best part of my job! 

Thank you for supporting me, my business and my healing through my work.

Owner and CEO,

Melanie Mokrenko.