About the Artist

Hi there, I am Mel Thompson, a self-taught surrealist artist, crafting my visions from the sanctuary of my studio on Wadawurrung Country in Victoria, Australia.

My artistic escapades started as a small child, the preschool painting easel a regular activity and core memory, in which visual creativity became my self soothing comfort. During my teenage years a captivating tale was sparked by the passion of a high school art teacher with enough charisma to make even paint blush. Imagine a 90s high school classroom buzzing with the chaotic energy of creativity, a kaleidoscope of teenage expression, the hum of fluorescent lights, the uncharted territory of the pre-digital age on the emerging frontier of dial-up internet, this bygone era is where I first encountered the irrational and subconscious world of influential surrealist art. Names like Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Mèret Oppenheim and René Magritte led me on a merry dance through the fantastical corridors of imagination.

The allure of pushing the boundaries of reality and representation spoke to me, whispering ideas of a cerebral landscape where the human psyche high-fived the world around me. As a card-carrying member of the Curious Club, I revelled in navigating and exploring ideas, concepts and the deeper meanings that exist beyond the constraints of logic and reason.

In my teenage years, armed with brushes and colours, I unleashed my inner artistic escape like a wizard with a paint-spattered wand. The canvas became my escape, a space where I could fully express myself in hues and shapes. Yet, the sneaky imposter syndrome decided to crash my creative party, and I reluctantly stashed away my artistic side when adulthood came knocking.

The echoes of inspiration staged a rebellion in 2020, and in recent years, I've reignited my passion for painting, waking up the dormant creativity that had been snoozing in the corner. The surrealist movement, with its avant-garde swagger, continues to be my solitude, guiding my brush through the delightful chaos of dreams and reality on canvas.

Now, as a self-taught artist, my process has evolved in a delightful dance of trial and error. Much like my first pancake always being a flop, like myself, my early creative attempts were charmingly flawed and messy, but each stroke taught me something new. With time, my paintings have metamorphosed, shedding the cocoon  to emerge as vibrant butterflies of my ongoing self-expression.

My dream is to unlock the profound potential within the realm of art, serving as a conduit through which my intricate inner universe can be reflected. I yearn to plunge into the depths of emotions, weaving connections, and igniting inspiration in the hearts of others, nurturing compassion, and fostering a profound comprehension of both oneself and the tapestry of humanity that surrounds us.

Please, join me in embracing the transformative and healing force of art.