get to know our issue 113 cover artist, melanie vugich
Aussie artist Melanie Vugich's dreamy still-life paintings make us long for a peaceful place to sit back with a cuppa and an arty book.
Tell us a bit about your process. My still-life paintings are always built around seasonal flowers and colours I’m obsessing over. My table scenes often feature art books and either a tea or coffee, which is reflective of how I like to relax with my partner or friends. I take photos because the light changes often and the flowers start to wilt. And I paint on board with acrylic first so I can see everything in place, then I start with the oils.
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How did your 25 years in Italy as a fabric designer influence you? I was surrounded by artists, and Florence itself is so full of art and beauty, so my time there has influenced my painting in every way. When I was first designing fabrics, it was pre-internet – my colleagues and I were always seeking inspiration by doing old-school research and visiting galleries. This is when I fell in love with the Fauve and Expressionist artists.
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How did you switch to painting? I’ve been painting still life since my mid-20s. Although my day job was creating fabric designs, I was always painting and held numerous exhibitions. When I returned to Australia, I couldn’t find work in the textile industry, so had to reinvent myself. I began an after-school painting class at my son’s local primary school. I slowly started to gain a following and now paint full-time.
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Favourite native Australian flower? Banksias. I have painted just about every variety.
Where can we see more? Online at melanievugich.com and on Instagram at @melanievugich.
This story comes straight from the pages of issue 113. To get your mitts on a copy, swing past the frankie shop, subscribe or visit one of our lovely stockists.