Melanie Crawford
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am an abstract painter and a full-time Art teacher (Head of Visual Art) at one of Adelaide’s leading private schools. I moved to Adelaide for love in 2017 from Sydney, we have since married and he is incredibly supportive. I have two amazing adult children; two sweet step kids and we have a very energetic 3-year-old German short-haired pointer named Augie. I have always loved art; it was my passion throughout school, but everyone advised me that I’d never make any money being an artist. So, my first degree was Primary Teaching, however I worked in many different areas over the years when my kids were little, but eventually I got to art school! I have a Bachelor of Art Education (Hons. 1st Class) from UNSW Art & Design.
What is your favourite drink?
I have been very good throughout Dry July! A cause close to my heart as I went through Breast Cancer in 2014. But I have to say that living in Adelaide is wonderful for the close proximity of the wine regions. I do adore a good Rosé, Riesling, or Shiraz.
I would have to admit that I am a coffee and water connoisseur. Nothing beats a good coffee and I try to drink at least 3 litres of water every day.
What inspired you to start painting?
It is difficult to pinpoint when the start was. My parents collected art, they valued it and I loved drawing as a kid. However, I think it was around the time that my daughter started school and I was working as an executive sales manager with a large successful team, driving a company car. It was on a trip overseas in the Georges Pompidou in Paris, standing in front of a Picasso that I just knew I had to change my life. So, I came back to Sydney and quit my job. Unfortunately, study, divorce, and illness got in the way, and it wasn’t until my move to Adelaide that I finally had a studio and everything I needed to really invest in being an artist.
What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Be yourself. You are unique, there is only one of you in this whole world and you are worthy.
Be courageous. Let fear and doubt whisper in your head, because they will, but be quick to challenge them and then to brush them aside, they do not understand the beauty, nor the complexity of the connection you will offer to others through your art.
Be honest and real. Don’t make art with the intention to sell it or for the validation of others, just make art that is true to you.
There are no mistakes in art, just learnings.
Have fun, experiment, make a mess, create lots of first drafts, attend art classes, invest in art materials and resources, make art friends, and make time for it – because if you’re anything like me – you need to create.
Keep making art, no matter what! Don’t give up.
You can read more about Melanie Crawford here.