A journey through nature,
and textural art

Melanie is a mixed-media and textile artist whose work captures the beauty of the natural world. Born in England, she spent her early childhood in the countryside before moving to Hong Kong at the age of ten with her family. There, she began her working life before setting off to travel extensively. Eventually, she settled in the picturesque Southwest Region of Western Australia with her husband, where they have raised their three children. This rich tapestry of experiences have profoundly influenced her artistic journey.

From an early age, Melanie has been passionate about creativity. Sewing was a cherished hobby, allowing her to experiment with various techniques and materials. Over the years, her artistic expression has evolved, blending her experiences with acrylics, watercolour, and stitchery to create unique, textured artworks that resonate with nature’s beauty.

Creative Expression

Melanie Jarman Sculptural Embroidered Art

Melanie is a born creative who, from an early age, dreamed of being able to “paint a picture”. It was learning to sew that started her art journey.

With a foundation in sewing and needlework, Melanie was then introduced to using acrylics and watercolour. These experiences laid the groundwork for her unique approach to mixed media art. Her fascination with fabric as a textural medium also led her to explore various techniques, always pushing the boundaries of her creativity.

Her discovery of dry needle felting during a visit to the UK marked a significant milestone in her journey, adding a new dimension to Melanie's work. This technique opened new possibilities for texture and depth in her art. She seamlessly integrates materials such as wool fibres, cotton scrim, and silk cocoons, creating visual tapestries that capture her surroundings.

Throughout her journey, Melanie has been deeply influenced by her diverse life experiences. The tranquil countryside of England, the dynamic landscapes of Hong Kong, and the stunning seascapes and flora of Southern Western Australia all finding their way into her art.

Learn more about Melanie

  • My creative process varies depending on the type of artwork I'm creating. If I'm doing freehand machine embroidery, I choose different fabrics, threads, and mediums suited for that particular piece. For mixed media projects, I sometimes begin by painting a fabric base with watercolours and build from there using textiles and stitchery. Each step is guided by the unique requirements of the artwork and my creative vision at that moment.

  • Travelling has had a big impact on my art. Seeing so many wonders of the world up close has been amazing. I’m always fascinated by the different colours I find in just one leaf or flower, the various shades of the sea, or even the unexpected colours and texture in a field and even my own backyard paddock. These experiences really inspire my work and help me bring more diversity and detail to my art.

  • Last year (2023) was my first time participating in the Margaret River Region Open Studios, and I decided to create a large piece as a community project to gift to a local charity.

    It ended up raising money for the charity and is now hanging in the Busselton Hilton Hotel.

    This needle-felted piece of the Busselton Jetty really brought a sense of community to my studio during my inaugural year. Many people came in to "have a go" at the piece, and we even had a young gentleman come in with his carer two or three times because he enjoyed it so much. I’m hoping he’ll come back this year.

  • I've always wanted to paint since I was a little girl. There were three things I dreamed of doing when I grew up: getting married and having children, driving a red convertible with my long blonde hair blowing in the wind, and being able to paint a picture.

    It wasn't until I moved to Busselton 13 years ago that I really pursued painting. I went to the local Busselton Art Society with a friend's daughter who was taking a "Painting for Dummies" class. The class was run by a wonderful lady named Lynn Holden. She was a straight-talker and a gifted artist. Over the next two years, she worked her magic trying to teach me perspective and how to paint according to the rules. But if you know me, you'll know I'm not very good at following rules. I like to push boundaries, question things, and experiment. Just because famous artists and teachers say you have to use a certain brush for a certain technique doesn't mean you actually have to do it.

    I continued with art on and off and even ran a local craft group for 10 years. This group was full of amazing ladies with a wealth of knowledge. While my children were small, I didn't have much time for art. It wasn't until I returned to the UK with my family in 2019 that I really pursued my longing for creativity. I bought a small needle felting kit at a local craft market and never looked back. I love creating with felt, mainly dry needle felting, but recently I've tried wet felting too. I enjoy incorporating as many elements as possible into one piece, including textiles, stitchery, painting, and embroidery.

  • I hope my art inspires people to chase their own creative dreams. There are many things that over-fill our days, but if you can begin by finding even just 10 minutes to lose yourself in something creative—whether it's music, pottery, colouring, gardening, or stitching—it can be incredibly fulfilling.

    We're creative beings living in an amazing, created world. Take the time to slow down and really look at the details around you, like a raindrop on a leaf, a spider’s web glistening in the moonlight, or how a bee enters and leaves a flower.

    The world we live in is truly amazing! If my work helps you discover and appreciate these little wonders, then I would be thrilled.

The Studio

Melanie Jarman Mixed Media Artist Studio

Melanie's purpose-built studio is nestled among the gum trees on her semi-rural property in the outskirts of Busselton, Western Australia. Afternoon sunlight filters into her light-filled space, bringing warmth and inspiration. Shelves are lined with natural treasures, thread spools, wool fibres, and a variety of other materials, while the walls showcase Melanie's framed original artworks.

The studio garden is filled with native flora and is the perfect scene to look out to for creativity to flow. Melanie draws inspiration from her surroundings, capturing the essence of the stunning Southwest Region of Western Australia. Her favourite pieces often depict serene countryside scenes, seascapes, and intricate flora native to Australia.

Melanie loves to welcome visitors! Join her for a workshop or visit during the Margaret River Region Open Studios from September 7th to 22nd, 2024.

You will find her original artworks and quality prints available for purchase, offering a tangible connection to her creative world.

Experience the inspiration, creativity, and warmth that fill her artistic haven.

Join Melanie in the studio