Art News

Pulp Fiction

A colourful collection of handmade paper wall hangings by Melissa Harvey are the focus of a new exhibition now on show at Caddies in Lismore.

Melissa has lived in Lismore for five years, during which time she has completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Southern Cross Uni, and she continues to experiment at the SCU paper-making studio.

Melissa works with recycled cotton clothing and using a pulping and milling process has produced coloured pulp, which she then 'paints' with to create her unique style of handmade paper. The entire process is Melissa's way of capturing her childhood through patterns that have been constant in her life.

"Lots of patterns I've used have been significant in my life from childhood up until now - floral wallpaper, geometric lino and paisley shirts," Melissa said. "Shredding fabric, tracing imagery, spraying pulp and the sensuous delights of handmade paper are reoccurring throughout my practice and together they facilitate the exploration of my identity. I'm embedding my memories into my artwork."

Melissa is moving to Sydney to further her art career, and at the end of 2004 she leaves for New York to study, so this is the last opportunity for locals to discover the talents of this budding young artist.

Also included in the exhibition are a number of screen prints and vintage fabric artworks by Benhur Helwend and Peter Jeffery. The combined collection is on show until the end of March.