Melissa, Cameron

Artist Statement

I have been making social conscious art, or protest art, for a while now. I moved to the USA

in early 2012 and back again in late 2018, and my observations about the increasing lack of

equality between its residents, citizens and victims of its foreign policy filtered into my work.

When I arrived, I was already making narrative works – storytelling through jewellery and

relatively small metal sculpture – but the narratives took a sharp turn. The lack of empathy I

saw in the way people treated one another, and in the way the state treated its citizens

–shockingly differently depending on their race and economic circumstances – emboldened

me to use my practice as my megaphone.

With the aim of facilitating an understanding and respect for the interconnected-ness of all

humanity, I work to forge an intimate link through my work between the viewer and wearer of

my pieces, and an external narrative. Lately, these narratives have centred on our

vulnerability to climate change

Sharing stories through my jewels and objects opens my eyes to the meanings inherent in all

our material culture. I recognize and respect that which is embedded in both used and new

materials and rework them always with consideration for such intrinsic messages. I

interleave my introduced patterns among these signs and symbols, so that each message,

mine and those of the material, are enriched by the collaboration.

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Melissa, Cameron

Selection of Works

fuckthispresident... 2017 stainless steel, vitreous enamel, titanium 12 x 6.5 x 1cm

covertly protesting the government 2017 stainless steel, vitreous enamel, titanium 11 x 6.5 x 1cm

covertly protesting the citizenry 2017 stainless steel, vitreous enamel, titanium 11 x 6.5 x 1cm

Sweeper Blade 4 tier earrings found steel street sweeper blades, stainless steel 2024 10 x 4 x 2cm (each earring)

rapidlyclosingwindow...#1 2024 found steel street sweeper blades, steel and plastic recycled lids 2.8m x 3.2m x 10cm

21st Caltrop #5 - Aaron Peña's Spikes 2020 non-stick pie dish, stainless steel largest: 450 x 140 x 10mm dish: 115(dia) x 30(h)mm

Everything Must Go - complete rack with 18 neckpieces 2020 recycled steel sales rack, mdf, cmyk print on coated paper 58 x 20 x 90 cm

rapidlyclosingwindow... #2 - breastplate (as worn by the artist) 2023 recycled plated mild steel, recycled non-precious chain, recycled steel chain, recycled silver-plated clasp 45 x 13 x 1cm Made for the Radical Jewelry Makeover project

breathe 2023-2024 porcelain enamel fired onto steel discs, acacia birch plywood with lime wash and clear satin polish, anodised black aluminium trim 4.85 x 2.21 m

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