Textile artisan Melìse Smith will be exhibiting her latest series “SURFACE” which explores the intersection of art and archaeology through abstract forms crafted from leather. 

“My artistic journey is rooted in a deep fascination with the natural world, shaped during my time studying a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Palaeontology at the University of New England while living and working on K’gari (Fraser Island). I developed a deep appreciation for the intricate relationships between life and geology, which informs my creative process today”.

Each piece incorporates actual shapes taken from archaeological dig sites, translating their unique contours into tangible artworks. These forms reflect the layered complexities of our Earth’s history and evoke the outlines of ancient civilizations, inviting us to reflect on the passage of time and the narratives embedded within the earth.

Her study of work uses a palette representative of the rich strata observed during excavation, capturing the beauty and depth of our planet’s composition. An emphasis on how our understanding of the past influences our perceptions of the future.

The exhibition will open on Friday 24th Oct and run until Sunday 26th October.