Coffee and Milk print

COFFEE AND MILK
This stunning print is a feature piece in the "Women of Colour 2020" series by well known artist Melle Haimona.

Each print is 120/300 gsm acid free gloss and is packaged with a sturdy cardboard backing in a plastic sleeve. Note that this is an unframed print, but will easily fit into a standard A2 or A3 size frame, readily available in numerous places.

Artist statement:

My name is Melle and I am a 28 year old intuitive Ngunnawal artist living on Wangal land (Sydney) and I am terrible at writing biographies lol. Basically I have drawn forever and painted since my daughter Rose was born 7 years ago.

Growing up away from my family's indigenous connections, I spent a lot of time practising te reo Māori with my kids and learning with them about their heritage which, in its beauty, eventually flowed out through my art.

July 2019 I started sharing my passion a little closer to home, teaching Paint n' Sip classes locally. I now have a class every month and have expanded into children's lessons, extra large canvas classes and even collaborated with other artist to do speciality groups too.

October 2019 was probably the highlight of my year when I was asked to join the small selection of store owners and artists at the prestigious Pacific Runway event. This event in Sydney is like the Met Gala of pacific fashion and art. Pacific Islander, Māori, Aboriginal and creatives alike join together to reclaim the meaning of representation and it is the most beautiful show I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

2020 has already been a whirlwind and in early January Jess Thompson-Carr (@Maori_Mermaid) wrote an article about her top 5 wahine to follow for The Big Idea NZ. The phenomenal artists I was listed with and the message of empowerment Jess helped me to put forward is to date my proudest moment.

As for right now, I have spent so much time these past years encouraging other peoples strengths that the newness of 2020 has presented itself as is the time to focus on me. To replace what I lost and grow what I always knew was there into something we can all see and be proud of. My message is always love, pride, strength in your people, in your ancestors, in your womanhood and in your country.

Thanks for coming along for the ride x Arohanui, Melle