reflecting
with MELANIE HAVA
MAMU ABORIGINAL ARTIST
With a distinct modern style , local artist Melanie Hava has a fresh style that appeals to a wide audience . Originally from Mamu country near Millaa Millaa , Melanie draws on her indigenous heritage to produce stunning images of reef and rainforest . We sat down with Melanie to get an idea of where her inspiration comes from .
When did you discover you had a flair for creative art ?
When I was in Kindy – I distinctly remember my teachers all asking me to paint something for them before the end of the year and they didn ’ t ask anyone else to paint for them !
Mamu country is central to your work and identity , do you spend much time on country or do you still have family in the district ?
Most of my family are based in Tully now and scattered all around Australia . I try and get up on my family ’ s country just outside of Millaa Millaa a couple times a year . Our special place is a swimming spot on the Beatrice River , just down the range from Millaa .
Does your creative art process come easily or do you battle with ideas , colour or composition ?
I may start with an idea of what I want to create but then most of the time the painting takes on its on identity and I just go with it . Sometimes I get “ painter ’ s block ” and don ’ t know what to paint so I go online or to a local gallery for inspiration . I love colours and I just love the freedom of expression with painting . I love the glimmer of gold and the way it can change so much within a piece of work , which is why I use it so frequently .
You have exhibited around the world , what are some of the countries or cities where your work has been shown ?
I currently have work in a gallery in Rotterdam in the Netherlands which has been doing well . I also had work in Enns , Austria .
Is there anything in particular that inspires you to be creative ?
I ’ d have to say nature inspires me the most – the changing colours of sunsets , the deep greens and browns of a rainforest , the blue skies and red earth , the dance and flight of birds . I also love looking at other artist ’ s works on Social Media and get inspired by their use of colour .
Melanie ' s artwork can be found on the Tablelands at Terra Nova Gallery Kuranda . reflections 2019
Rainforest and Reef
MELANIE HAVA
MAMU ABORIGINAL ARTIST
Her 2019 calendar " Reflections – Rainforest and Reef " is available at the Malanda Visitor Information Centre , Terra Nova Gallery ( Kuranda ), and online at www . stevennowakowski . com
10 What ’ s On & Where To Go September 2018