Mel Hills grew up on the spectacular East Coast of Tasmania.
Early on she developed a fascination for all forms of wildlife, and an obsessive interest in birds.
A childhood roaming the hills and coast around Orford, progressed into extended bushwalks which nurtured a deep love of the Tasmanian landscape and its' exquisite light qualities.
When Mel was fifteen a summer school in Watercolour directed by Nigel Lazenby and mentored by Lloyd Rees started her love affair with that media and she hasn't been able to stop painting since.
While trying to figure out how to combine passionate interests in both Science and Art, and maintaining her interest in wildife, Mel studied Zoology at the University of Tasmania, with a great deal of interest in Taxonomy and Entomology. This was followed by a Graduate Diploma in Wildife and Scientific Illustration from the University of Newcastle.
The study of taxonomy, especially invertebrates amd the wonderful details that can be found when you look closely at many everyday objects continue to inform and inspire Mel's work. When microscopic details can be observed as part of a larger landscape the scenery gets truly fabulous - and that leads on to painting murals....
Microscopes to murals. Yep. That about covers it, and everything in between. Read Mels artists statement here
Mel currently works and exhibits as part of the Peppercorn gallery in Richmond. The Peppercorn artists gallery has acted for many years as a crucial incubator and outlet for many Tasmanian artists. Helping to develop both their trade and marketing skills.
The Station Cafe at the Mount Nelson Signal Station in Hobart also exhibits Mels pieces.
And in breaking news, you can find Mel exhibiting at the Deloraine Craft Fair this year 4-7 Nov 2011