MELISSA STANNARD | ‘Koala Mum and Bub – Phascolartctos Cincereus’ | Sterling silver brooch with patina

Melissa Stannard is a proud Yuwaalaraay Gamilaraay, and Koama artist, researcher and poet, living on Kabi Kabi land on the Sunshine Coast.

Melissa has completed a Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art, majoring in (JSO) jewellery and small objects in 2019, and undertook the Kungullanji Program under the supervision of the esteemed Dr Michelle Langley, during the summer of 2018-2019.

She has a keen interest in nature and the environment, archival research, history, art therapy, printmaking, jewellery, sculpture, textile, and installation art, as well as teaching children’s art classes.  She is proud to be a Kungullanji mentor again this year, helping to support fellow scholars on their pathway to success and growth.

Melissa uses her narrative skills and deep passion to bring hidden stories and experiences to light, often fighting for the underdog, the voiceless, the lost and forgotten, neglected, and overlooked. Her use of reparative aesthetics aims to raise awareness of and help the healing process for Aboriginal / Indigenous communities. She also aims to create pathways of understanding and reconciliation for the community and embrace caring for country.

MELISSA STANNARD | ‘Koala Mum and Bub – Phascolartctos Cincereus’ | 2022/23 | Lost wax carved and cast sterling silver brooch with patina | 7 (h) x 7 (w) cm | Gum leaves and nuts on back