Mel Brady
“An explosion in a vintage dress shop”
Mel Brady is a talented visual artist and art & craft workshop facilitator. Her diverse skill set allows her to express her creativity in various forms. From intricate pattern-based paintings inspired by vintage clothing to larger-scale installations that create a significant impact, Mel's work is a testament to her versatility.
In her words “The pieces I create and collect are an extension of myself and how I feel.”
melbradyartist.com
To enquire with Mel Brady for your very own custom painted ArtBag, click the link below and fill in our online form.
Where did you study art or how did you train?:
I come from a really creative family and I've always made art of some type, as it's like a magnet. Somewhere around the halfway point of my literature degree, I thought it might be wise to include a major in art history, and I rapidly realised after that I wanted to make art my career. I'm largely self-taught and constantly learning.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?:
Yayoi Kusama, El Anatsui, Frida Kahlo, Suzanne Valadon, The Mighty Boosh, haute couture and vintage clothing, music. Always music.
How would you describe your artistic style?:
Short answer: an explosion in a vintage dress shop. Longer answer: maximal, colourful symbolic still lifes with lots of pattern, repetition and manipulation of scale. Whether I am painting or making an installation, more is more.
What themes or subjects do you most frequently explore in your art work?:
Textiles in general and vintage clothing specifically are the subjects I am most drawn to. After collecting vintage clothing for decades, I opened a shop which only helped my obsession to grow! I will often paint my favourite dress-up clothes from when I was little, or vintage dresses I wish I owned. I could literally talk about dress, fashion and art all day long. I also make installations which are dreamy spaces for visitors to immerse themselves.
Have you won any awards or participated in any exhibitions?:
I first exhibited in a group show called Adorn in 2018. Since then I have exhibited my work in a number of group shows. I received a RADF grant to build a 3-part installation at home, called This last time/Escape hatch/Wait don't tell, in 2020, which was in response to the craziness of COVID. I held my first solo exhibition 'The pattern is the pattern' in 2021 at Side Gallery in Brisbane, and followed it with 'Pattern/Spell' at Small Works Gallery, Murwillumbah in 2023. In 2023 I was a finalist in the Du Reitz Art Competition for my painting 'Slips her dress like a flag to the floor.'
Do you have a memorable story or experience related to your art?:
Oh wow, there are so many! I met Ken Done when some of my work was in the same gallery as his show (New England Regional Art Museum in 2022) and he was a character! Travelling for exhibitions is always so exciting and hilarious. Being in group shows gives such a feeling of camaraderie, and solo shows give the most delicious blend of pride and sheer terror. Overall I feel that art has helped me to make connections with others with deep and beautifully nuance that probably couldn't have happened any other way!
Tell us about your first painted ArtBag. What was the inspiration behind this piece. What did you most and least enjoy about working on it?:
I did 5 different design sketches before I settled on one. I focused on my ideas of Gucci and high fashion and let it flow from there. Once I got over my worries about ruining the bag , taping it up properly and choosing a design I was able to focus on the patterns and getting good coverage and depth of colour. I went through all the emotions and doubt but once I pulled the tape of I found it looks great. I can't wait to see it with the handle reattached!
Mel Brady chose to custom paint our stunning vintage Gucci bamboo 90’s bag. This bag is off white leather, teamed with the iconic bamboo handle and silver hardware. Why not add one of Mel Brady’s ArtBags to your collection today. Available to purchase in our shop or ‘Enquire Now’ for a one-to-one commission on your own handbag.
