Born in 1970 in Sydney and raised on the Darug lands of Terry Hills, Melissa began making clay sculptures as a child. Her early career in graphic design and architectural drafting later gave way to fine art, with a focus on sculpture and painting. She is fascinated by the atmosphere of places and people, expressing her responses through colour, line, and material. Working with resin fibreglass and steel, she balances industrial strength with playful, feminine expression. Living and working in Newcastle on Awabakal and Worimi land, she draws inspiration from the natural world and human moments, exploring the subtle connections between all things.

Prizes

2012 Winner ‘Waste Not’ Competition Honeysuckle
2014 Emerging Artist Exhibition at Newcastle Art Space

HIGHLY COMMENDED SCULPTURE
2019 Emerging Artist Exhibition at Newcastle Art Space
2021 Sculpture on the Farm

Exhibitions

• Aug 2011 Front Room Gallery oil painting and works on paper
• 2012 Small: Matters of Time Back to back Gallery
• 2012 Raymond Terrace Art Show
• 2012 September Front Room Gallery
• 2012 Winner ‘Waste Not’ Competition Honeysuckle
• 2013 TAFE Upstairs Gallery, The Rabbit Show
• 2013 Small: The Birds and the Bees, Back to Back Gallery
• 2013 Seascape and Beyond, Merewether Surf Club
• 2013 Emerging Artist Exhibition at Newcastle Art Space
• 2013 Tea Gardens Art Show
• 2013 TAFE Upstairs Gallery, Fresh
• 2014 Emerging Artist Exhibition at Newcastle Art Space