Profile
I have a deep passion for nature and its protection, which inspires all my work. I believe that narrative, particularly folklore and mythology can help us better understand all living things and how we need each other to survive.
My sculptures are inspired by narrative from all over the world and also my own experiences of being with nature. Sometimes I write my own short stories to give a contemporary twist to a theme. I like to step into this other world, to explore the world of the unfamiliar.
The work I create sometimes has roots within other cultures and may appear deliberately mysterious or strange. Romania is very close to my heart and often I include traces of its culture within my work. At the same time, I find sources of inspiration wherever I am.
My research interests include looking at animals that are generally feared and disliked such as the wolf, bats and moths, that are so important to the future of this planet. It is interesting that in some cultures such animals are revered and I again think there is a lot to learn from this.
I illustrate my work using very fine brushes and gouache and hand print these images onto metal sheets. My designs often incorporate illusory symbols that relate to the piece’s theme. For instance, a lacy skirt might on closer inspection be composed of spiders, wolves, snowflakes or birds. My intention is to continue highlighting the traditions of folklore as a way of commenting on what I experience in the here and now.
I have spent several years working with newly arrived women and children to the UK and have come to realise that nature is important to everyone which is why we all need to work together to ensure its survival.
Testimonials
"Melanie's integrity and values filter across her work. They are evident in her continuing ability to deliver innovative, creative and engaging 3d pieces as well as excellent participatory arts practices. She is an artist that Hybrid trusts to think provocatively and to challenge participants. Central to this is that Melanie simply produces high quality pieces of art which take audiences on multi-dimensional journeys."
Samina Zahir, Director, Hybrid
"Melanie Tomlinson is an artist who has pursued a strongly personal vision in her work, and which I have seen steadily evolve during the last ten years. Her work - sculpture and automata - sits firmly within many key current concerns of contemporary fine and applied art - the decorative, the folk, narrative content, and the natural world. She has an extraordinary generosity and connection to people, and this comes through in both her sculptural work, and as an artist leading in participatory projects."
Andy Horn, Exhibitions Manager, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
"Melanie Tomlinson's printed tin boxes and automata are inspired by folklore and the natural world. The images and symbols she draws on, from many different mythological sources, allow her to create her own personal, magical and mysterious worlds–in–miniature. Hidden details abound – whether physical such as a handle on the automata; a secret interior space in the box – or narrative – a lace fabric composed of tiny animals. The details are only revealed on close inspection, the eye drawn by the confident richness of the overall composition."
Text courtesy of The Scottish Gallery
"Melanie is the local artist for 1mile˛ Smethwick, a British Council, DCMS, ACE and Urban Living funded programme. She is a fantastic communicator and energetic participatory arts practitioner who engages and inspires people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Melanie's practice is strongly rooted in imagery and narratives of nature and her work is both beautiful and accessible, speaking to a broad audience. She is highly committed and enthusiastic with a genuine desire to engage people in the creative process."
Donna Vose, 1mile2 Programme Manager, Visiting Arts