THE ARTIST Mel Kelly is an abstract map artist from Kansas City, Missouri and the creator of the River Painting Dye Method. THE COLLECTION Her latest “Get Lost” series of hand-dyed, fantasy maps represent places unknown and unexplored. Mel calls it abstract cartography -- and each piece is dyed using her custom River Painting Dye Method. Learn more at https://www.melkellyart.com/about THE PROCESS These maps are fictional. They tell a story. Mel calls this abstract cartography -- the art of mapping out places unknown and unexplored. The 100% cotton, archival quality canvas is hand-dyed using Mel's custom River Painting Dye Method. ​The dyeing process takes multiple layers, heat, different color mixtures and ink to attain the final result. DOWELED ART Once the detail work is completed on the raw canvas, Mel sews a sleeve at the top and bottom for a dowel. The dowels she uses are always hard wood (usually oak), and wax-sealed to preserve color. They are then finished off with a soft leather string for hanging. YOUR PIECE Your piece is handcrafted and unique. Even down to the name, Mel carefully pours over every detail. Your work will come with it's very own name card on the back of the piece. TO HANG Simply slip the leather cord over a nail or screw and you're all set. TO CLEAN Do not get wet. Roll over gently with a lint roller to remove dust.