Melissa Stannard

I am a narrative artist interested in the discarded abandoned and overlooked, then creating art work that showcases the value, beauty and worth in them. (Nature and objects often reflect people in my work).
Often topics I'm drawn to are difficult to express in words, so I let it pour out through my hands as I work/play.. play and experimentation are very important to my practice and I find I work rather intuitively. I am a Yuwallaraay, Gamilaraay, and Koama first nations woman of mixed heritage and often don't fit into defined boxes society prefers to put people into.
I walk between worlds never fitting into either so I decided I would use my perspective and experiences and try to stitch them together both blak and white, family and abandoned/ or orphaned, straight and non , lost and found. Etc
I love all things old and imperfect, older patinas, old haberdashery, vintage linens and old family items discarded to op-shops/charity shops and rubbish/ tip shops.. or found in the street.
I repurpose so much and collect lots of weird and wonderful things. I am a constant gatherer and collector of the lost then found.
I love blues, rusty hues, faded weather worn colours and textures..