Embracing the Darkness: The Artistic Journey of Mel Lamanna
Art transcends the visual; it is an emotive dialogue with the world, a means of navigating life’s complexities. For Mel Lamanna, the artist behind Unruly Garden Studio, creativity is a journey that traverses both light and dark. Through printmaking, drawing and painting, Mel explores the depths of human experience, revealing both our deepest fears and our most profound hopes. Let’s delve into the influences, experiences and challenges that shape Mel's distinctive artistic voice.
Francisco Goya's work, especially "The Black Paintings" and the "Los Caprichos" etchings, has profoundly influenced Mel. The raw intensity and emotional depth of these works resonate deeply, offering a stark contrast to the lighter aspects of life. Mel draws inspiration from Goya’s fearless exploration of dark themes and his willingness to take risks with subject matter. This balance between light and dark and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths, is vividly reflected in Mel's own work.
For Mel, art is far more than an aesthetic pursuit. It is a way to make sense of the world, to process the emotions tied to events, people and places. This is why certain images often reappear in different mediums; the search for the ‘right’ visual language is an ongoing journey. Much of Mel's work grapples with themes of impermanence, exploring fears of death, loss and the disintegration of relationships. Influenced by creatives like Federico Garcia Lorca, Miguel de Unamuno and Nick Cave, Mel believes that authentic creativity emerges from lived experience and adversity. There is no light without darkness, no innovation without struggle.
Mel’s artistic evolution has been shaped by two Spanish residencies she participated in, each playing a crucial role in refining her creative process. These experiences exposed her to both rigorous and experimental approaches to printmaking, reinforcing the importance of mastering technical skills while leaving space for personal expression and experimentation. The balance between ‘work’ and ‘play’ is essential to Mel's artistic growth.
In contrast to the thematic darkness of her work, Mel’s studio is an eclectic, light-filled sanctuary where creativity flourishes. Anchored by a large print press, Unruly Garden Studio is a place of autonomy and freedom. The space, brimming with artworks, curiosities, religious icons, found objects and ‘creepy’ dolls, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Here, creative tangents are uninterrupted, with unresolved paintings waiting in the ‘naughty corner’ for further exploration. This personal studio space is vital to Mel, providing the freedom to experiment and take risks without external pressures.
Among the many works adorning the studio walls is "The Muster," one of Mel’s most significant pieces. This work reflects on the importance of truth-telling in the healing process, particularly in the context of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. Deeply personal, "The Muster" is inspired by Mel’s reconciliation journey with Noongar family and friends. The piece speaks to the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths, acknowledging past betrayals to nurture trust and respect.
Process is central to printmaking and Mel is meticulous about certain technical aspects, finding the preparation of print plates to be a meditative ritual. Yet, there is also a love for the chaotic order of monoprint and monotype techniques, where deliberate and spontaneous marks merge to create something unexpected. This balance between structure and spontaneity allows Mel to create work that is both technically precise and emotionally authentic.
Like all artists, Mel faces challenges such as procrastination, isolation, creative block, and the ongoing struggle to balance art with other commitments. To stay inspired and motivated, Mel emphasizes the importance of physical work, research, and maintaining curiosity. Weekly art sessions with a supportive group of artists (NSEW crew), hikes and plein air painting are also crucial to sustaining creative momentum.
In Mel's workshops, participants can expect a safe, judgment-free environment where the focus is on learning, enjoyment and embracing the creative process. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, Mel's workshops offer a sense of achievement, a new skill set and perhaps even a newfound love for printmaking.
For Mel, art is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about confronting the darkness, finding balance and understanding the complexities of life. Through a blend of technical mastery and emotional expression, Mel's work invites viewers to explore the depths of their own experiences and emotions, reminding us that there is no light without darkness and no innovation without struggle.
