Local artist profile: Melanie Thoren

THIS week we speak with visual artist Melanie Thoren.

What initially motivated you to become an artist?

I have always had a creative mind. I remember drawing lots as a child. I had a special clipboard where I would keep my paper, and a huge roll of textas, and I would draw for hours. My family has always been creative in their own ways too. My mum is a published author, and my dad is a very talented woodturner. My Nan was always engaged in community craft activities with the YWCA, like quilting, and I loved watching her work, so there have always been adults in my life with some form of creative outlet, and I think it became a necessity for me to have that as well.

How would you describe your style? How did you develop it?

I would describe my style as feminist and surrealist, with elements of retro-futurism. I like working with bold lines and bright colours. There is something about bright colours that is completely unapologetic, and I really enjoy that for my work, as I am a bit of a shy person in social circles, so my work gives me a kind of voice to share my opinions but in a visual way.

Are there any particular themes you like to feature in your work? What draws you to these themes?

I really enjoy exploring themes of identity, especially feminine identity, which I feel is a bit underrepresented in Australian art. My work also has a bit of a satirical streak. Sometimes when people see my work they laugh, whereas others take the themes very seriously, so it is always interesting to gauge an audience reaction, especially from male-identifying audiences. I also have recently been trying to include science-fiction elements into my work, or retro-futurism, where we look at the future from the perspective of the past, as I have always been a fan of the old-fashioned sci-fi shows like Doctor Who and Star Trek from the 1960s.

How can people check out your amazing work?

I have multiple platforms! You can check me out on instagram at @melanie.t.creative, which is my primary platform. Otherwise, I have a facebook page, Melanie Thoren – Artist, and my website, melaniethorenartist.com.

I also currently exhibit and sell original prints through in.cube8r, a shop in Fitzroy, which can be viewed and purchased online at incube8r.com.au/cuber/melanie-thoren.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Just keep doing it! Whether or not you make a living from it, it’s good for your soul. Whether you create in your back shed, or a little space on your lounge room floor, don’t let your space limit you, your mindset is the only limitation you have.

I would also say, listen to your art teacher, whoever that is in your life. If you don’t agree with your art teacher, that is also fine, but think about the reasons why you might not agree, and what your work is trying to express.

I would also say continue to visit galleries and see art as often as you can. Art is reactive, and so it will change as society changes, and I think it’s important to keep up with modern perspectives.