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Melissa Hirsch Artist's Statement |
I came to art as an environmentalist. I create work in nature, with nature and about nature.
Originally all my work was made entirely from plant fibres that I collected from my local area and made into utilitarian forms. However, my practise has expanded to include metal, fishing line and glass, creating objects of beauty.
My skills are based in basketry, carpentry, floristry, ceramics and welding.
I create and construct objects and installations based on various themes. My work is intricate, simple and appears to be fragile. This is enhanced by shadow-play, negative spaces and movement.
My process is wholistic and labour intensive. I collect, process, weave and on most occasions install my work.
My work is strongly process based, with beauty in form relating to environment being a central focus.
My solo show Precious Ocean was made entirely from fishing line. Since this show I have been working almost entirely on commissions.
As some of my commissions
Since August 05 I have been organising Beach Happenings/ Ephemeral Art installations once every fortnight. These gatherings occur on one of our local beaches and are open to anyone and everyone. They are very and outdoor work are made from metal, glass and plastics I have offset my impact on the resources of the planet by becoming the first Australian artist to have an officially climate neutral practice.
In 2004 I formed a group called Efemera. We were 4 local women artists who created ephemeral art in and around Byron. Our aim was to be anonymous creators and collaborators. Most of our work appeared then disappeared either because of the elements or through our removal. Two of our more substantial pieces were part of the artsCape exhibition (July 05). casual, self-directed social opportunities that have proved to be a gathering point for artists and friends.
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