Studio Visit: Melanie Valentine

Driven by a pursuit of active stillness – the point at which doing and being converge - painter and ceramicist Melanie Valentine’s work seeks to draw our attention to the moment the ordinary inspires us to take a second look. She works on Bundjalung Country, Arakwal.

“My home studio is located in the Northern Rivers of NSW but the real magic happens when I paint outdoors. I love working en plein air because it forces a sense of urgency upon me that adds a real dynamism to my work.”

Above: artist Melanie Valentine. Photo: Monica Buscarino. Courtesy: the artist.

Below: Melanie Valentine, Arid night garden. Gouache and mixed media on watercolour paper, 29.5 x 21cm. Courtesy: the artist.

More Studio Visits from Recent issues

Studio Visit: Cynthia Howard

Cynthia Howard is an Indonesian-Australian artist currently working in Sydney. she holds a Bachelor of Fine Art (Visual Art) and a Bachelor of Fine Art (Acting) and her practice focuses on storytelling and relationships. the artist uses traditional painting methods with nods to surrealism, cubism and other artistic genres. Her concepts come from stream-of-consciousness, appearing […]

Studio Visit: Gina Ward

Brisbane-based artist Gina Ward paints architectural and figurative subjects in structured compositions with clean, abstract lines and a dynamic tonal palette. subtle mismatching of geometric elements bring character and vigour to the artist’s work. / My studio has varied over the years, but the one constant has been my little blue velvet couch. It has […]

Studio Visit: Amanda Forward

Amanda Forward challenges the concept of time and place in her practice, working holistically and aiming to transport the viewer to the self. Utilising themes associated with ancient storytelling and symbolism, she draws inspiration from her experience in country and culture. Her contemporary style, with layers of paint and pastel, is coupled with understated line […]

Studio Visit: Shane Andrew Vandort

Shane Andrew Vandort is a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist creating from the “organised chaos” of his studio in Melbourne/ Naarm.

Studio Visit: David Cox

David Cox’s studio – once a candle-making workshop – is nestled in the Olinda rainforest where the artist lives on a terraced property with glimpses down the Dandenong ranges on Woiworung country.

Studio Visit: Rhonda Crawford

Rhonda Crawford’s studio is a family affair. Complete with a swing seat and unique lights, the space was created by the people closest to her, giving the artist an eclectic, happy place to paint from.