acrylic and mixed media
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
Born in Noumea, New Caledonia, I moved in Sydney in 2003 to be with my husband.
Being a Graphic Designer for years, I had the desire to draw and paint again and needed to be in touch with the surface and decided to paint with my hand.
My artwork embraces the natural surroundings by creating and integrating the colour, texture, energy and emotion we experience from the land and the people. It is the inter relationships of the environment and human activity that is the focal point of my art making.
Meli Melo
acrylic and mixed media
Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
There are a few artists that I like in terms of the colours they used and also the reason why they started to paint.
Romero Britto is an amazing inspiration for me as his style is bold and joyful.
The other person who has opened the realm of paint for me is a Canadian artist called Kardif. Her use of textures and colours as well as the story I read in her painting gave me the desire to express myself and share my story.
Madoka Vibe- 2012
24×24″, Acrylic, Oils and mixed media
Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?
I always start with mixing the paint or playing with textures. I try not to have a definite vision of the artwork but let the artwork take me on a journey. Every colour, textures are like words in a book, they are telling a story and the viewer is the one getting the information he needs by looking or reading it.
It is a different approach with commission artwork where I have to connect with the client and what they are trying to tell.
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Colourful, Passionate, Creative, Caring, Enthusiastic
Dance with me
48×36″
Mixed Media and Acrylic
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
Looking after kids during school holidays in playground facility.
From then my passion for graphic design, arts and colours as well as holistic medecine has allowed me to connect with children and adults to show them the world of colours and the emotions that comes out of it.
As an Artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Time and space.. I could paint all day
I just finished a course with MoMA (Museum of Modern Art in New York) and tried oils and was frustrated with the smell and the length of time it takes to dry.
Tahitian Dreaming
40×40″
Mixed Media and Acrylic
Tell us about how you prioritise your work.
Painting, drawing, creating is like breathing and I need it to feel alive.. So people need to walk, go overseas but for me it is a piece of paper, canvas and colours that will make me happy.
I consider all of my work a priority, inspiration and creativity are not a switch on button and I need to be in the space to be able to express myself.
How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
Once or twice per month, I will visit an Art Gallery to learn more about the artists in Australia and because I am a Pinterest fan, I always find well known artist on the web.
My customers are from facebook, my website and blog as well as referrals.. Hope I will be able to have an exhibition sooner than later to showcase myself.
My Picasso’s inspiration
Tell us about your upcoming project with ArtSHINE?
My passion for colours and textures has been there for ever.
2 – 3 years ago after finishing a Surface Diploma, I had the desire to tap into the emotion of colours and textures. This was an amazing discovery to see that we are drawn to colours and textures depending of our state of mind and that they could help us deal with which ever emotions was sitting in the space.
I am very proud and honoured to post a monthly article as a guest blog on the ArtSHINE community about colours & passion.
240mm × 118mm
acrylic and mixed media
What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Believe in your dreams.
My moto is “ It always seems impossible until it is done”
Sunshine Colours – 2012
610mm x 712mm, Acrylic, Oils and mixed media
What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
I would like to have a school where I can teach people to open their creativity.
Have my own brand of products
What is your proudest moment so far?
Having a solo exhibition in October 2011
Who do you most want to meet and why?
Claire Desjardins because if her use of colours and the joy I have in looking at her art
Breathing
40×40″
Mixed Media and Acrylic
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
Do what you love and don’t worry about the rest!!
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
I am reading “Dying to be me” by Anita Moorjani
This book is not only about cancer but also about us coming back to life itself.
Sorted by Lissanne Olivier
I have done so much in my office and in my painting using this book. I have found tools in the draws to add texture on the canvas.. This has help me as well to remove all the negative stuff in my life, office and emails.. to only have the time for was real.
Escape36×36″ – Cotton Duck Canvas
Mixed Media and Acrylic 2010
Where do we find you and your Art? (list stores & links, websites )
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/artonsurface/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArtOnSurface
Art on Surface website:
