Local artist profile: Melanie Nash

THIS week we chat with local fine/graphic artist and a home-based art teacher who focuses on personal growth, mindfulness, resiliency, positivity, connection, encouragement and self-care classes for her students of all ages, Melanie Nash.

For class enquiries please contact Melanie via [email protected].

What initially motivated you to take up art as a practice?

I think for any artist or creative person, this question is like asking an empathetic person what initially motivated you to begin caring for others? Or asking an entrepreneur, what initially motivated you to begin making investments? Because although there may have been an initial experience, I do not believe that is motivation enough for a sustained practice.

For me, there is an inner desire, a part of who I am. There is a need to create, pursue, to care, or whatever makes you feel like you are living in a way that is congruent with who you uniquely are. Art as a practice is about the journey, not the destination, it is a way of being.

I personally identify with being a creative person, more than an artist. I have a previous background in my early adult years in performing arts and loved to express myself through choreography, creating original stage works.

Today, aside from creating fine artworks, I enjoy writing songs on my guitar, and working with textiles on my sewing machine. The need to create, for me, has always been within. Even as a child I loved creating. I always thought creatively and wanted to explore those ideas, and this continues today, as it is simply a part of who I am.

How would you describe your unique style and how did you develop it?

In fine art I am drawn to nature, especially plants and animals. I create original works in acrylics, watercolour, and ink, for expressing what I am experiencing at that time, as a visual story for both myself and others.

My style is innately expressive and therefore painterly and never hyper-realistic. My art process regardless of the medium is flowing and responsive, as for me making art is about the process and experience during the time spent creating. My style continues to grow, evolve, and expand, along with my own personal growth throughout life.

Artistic style comes from diverse sources, it develops through the personal creative journey, life experiences, experimenting and external influences and for me, is continually ongoing for as long as I continue to engage in life.

Which other artists inspire you and why?

Van Gogh, he faced so many life challenges yet used art as a way for processing, exploring, and expressing himself. He was truly a creative, not just an artist and there is such depth in his works. He made art expressing both who he was and what he was experiencing in life, and I relate to this journey as I make art for these reasons too.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of having a go at the artistic life?

Be intentional to avoid getting caught-up in the production side of pursuing an artistic life, as that will drain you more than fuel your creativity. Protect your own wellbeing foremost, for a sustainable and healthy creative life.

To be a working artist, I believe having good people around you is essential. Many successful artists have others to help propel them forward, so when you see others online doing well, keep that in mind. Keep positive. Always trust your gut and the process, along with being brave in all you do!