Interview
Melissa Thomas
Melissa initially began creating pieces of art for family and friends. This soon grew into a diverse range of work inspired by the natural world. She primarily uses stainless steel, mild steel, and glass for these designs.
Her experience has led to commissions for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Zoo and extensive private and public works.
Melissa grew up in the shire of Nillumbik, Australia, where she developed her love of nature and all things beautiful. After graduating from Eltham College, Melissa studied tonal painting under David Moore for more than two years, developing her skills in oil painting. She later started her own business, Natural Inspirations.
Melissa continues to work from the family workshop in Thomas Town, Australia, as well as from her home studio.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“During the early 1990s, I traveled through Europe, creating paintings for myself as well as collaborating with other artists. It wasn’t until 1998 that I started my journey in metal sculpture and truly settled down into creating and designing art.
I have since taken part in many exhibitions, publications and custom projects across Victoria. Some highlights include competing and winning Gold at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, creating topiary sculptures for Melbourne Zoo, and taking part in Nillumbik Open Studios for the last few years.”
What inspires you?
“I am primarily inspired by the natural world around me. I find inspiration in the materials I work with and the different compositions they can make. My artwork mimics nature, and I strive to create pieces that are both beautiful and timeless.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Like all artists, I try to leave my pieces open for interpretation, encouraging onlookers to think and take away what they will. However, the underlying theme is always highlighting and paying homage to Australia's unique nature. My work showcases the complexities, beauty and challenges of this country's land in a way that is easy to digest, and appealing to the eye.”
“I believe that art is integral to our overall health and wellbeing. It allows us to communicate without the need for words. I strive to create pieces that make people question the world around them and open their minds to new possibilities.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is the process of taking a small piece of the nature around me, and molding it in a way that somewhat modernizes it by adding my own inspired touch. Using nature as a reference, I keep my work faithful enough to be recognized for what it's inspired by, but unique enough to stand alone with its own identity.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Working with multiple mediums, there are quite a few artists I take inspiration from. I find myself going back to Dale Chihuly for glass, my father for metal, and Claude Monet and David Moore for oil painting. David Moore was actually my mentor when I first started. And of course, I’m influenced by all the other local artists in my community as well.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process tends to be pretty consistent and straightforward across all mediums. It can be summed up in four steps: sketch, draw, template, and create! If I find myself needing inspiration, I’m lucky enough to live in an area surrounded by beautiful bushland. A quick walk tends to do the trick, maybe taking some photos of particular plants or animals along the way. By the time I get back to my studio, I am full of ideas and I have some great references to use when starting the sketching process.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists play a major role in society by communicating ideas and feelings that words cannot. Through their artwork, they are able to question the world around them and express emotions that might not be able to be put into words.
My passion is creating pieces that evoke an emotional response in the viewer, be it through the beauty of nature or the power of color, texture or form.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“During my time as an artist, I have shown my work in various exhibitions. These are:
Bulleen Art & Gardens -Exquisite Succulents.
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.
Sydney Garden Festival.
Melbourne Zoo.
Royal Botanic Gardens.
Olivia Newton John Cancer Center.”
