Melanie Vugich, Hinchinbrook Banksias and Sunshiny Days, oil on board, 60x75cm, The Corner Store Gallery
Melanie Vugich - Familiarity
This collection of still life and interiors paintings is my way of celebrating the everyday objects that keep me connected to loved ones and to places that have provided sanctuary… My coffee pot, favourite jug, tableware and pieces of cloth came from my apartment in Florence, where I lived and worked for 25 years; coloured glassware, ceramic vases and vintage teapots have been gathered in the 12 years since I returned to Australia; books have been bought on my travels or were left to me by my beloved mentor, Susan Nevelson. Functional household items have become deeply meaningful to me over the past year and I find myself mixing bolder colours and deliberately seeking out beauty and familiarity as a counter to heartbreaking news and the tyranny of distance.
Artist Bio
Melanie Vugich grew up in the outback NSW town of Broken Hill then spent time in Adelaide and Sydney before venturing to London. On a trip to Italy she instantly fell in love with Florence and remained there for 25 years. During this time she developed her skills as a fabric designer, created prints for several of Italy’s biggest fashion labels and held many solo and joint exhibitions.
Having arrived back in Sydney with her partner and son 12 years ago, Melanie now lives and works in the beachside suburb of Bronte. She paints every day and her ongoing goal as an artist is to capture the beauty in all that surrounds her, and to share her passion for colour and composition.
Melanie has been part of several group shows over the past few years and has a loyal following of collectors who appreciate her bold use of colour and original take on the still life genre. ‘Familiarity’ is her first solo show since returning to Australia.
Melanie Vugich, Tea Party on Ken Scott Scarf, oil on board, 60x75cm, The Corner Store Gallery