A constant theme in Melissa’s work is the idea of transience. She borrows from the language and iconography of Dutch 17th-century still life painting. Still life contrasts with our lives today, which are dynamic, moving and constantly shifting, so there is definitely a strange irony in her work. Hauntingly beautiful, they contemplate space, time and the fragility of the human condition.
Melissa’s paintings have been finalists in many art prizes, including The Kilgour Prize, Mosman Art Prize, EMSLA Still Life Awards, the North Sydney Art Prize, winning the Award for Painting in 2017 and winning the 2D prize at the Blue Mountains ArtFest 2024.
