CONCEPTUAL CERAMICIST
ICONIC & STARVING
This abstract sculptural series continues the environmental narrative of her previous series, Death by
A Thousand Cuts, which imprinted the heartwood of logged trees to highlight the devastating impact
of bauxite mining in the Perth Hills. This new work focuses on the Forest Red-tailed Black
Cockatoo—known as “Karrak” in Noongar language—and its vanishing habitat.
The last remaining Jarrah forests, along with Marri, Blackbutt, Karri, and Sheoak trees, are
disappearing at an alarming rate. These trees are not only iconic—they are essential food and
habitat. A single Karrak requires approximately 100 native nuts per day to survive. This installation
comprises a selection of 100 wheel-thrown, altered, and hand-carved stoneware forms, raku-fired to
reflect the rawness of the land. Each sculptural form echoes the geometry found in nature and the
interconnected balance of the ecosystem.
Inspired by the seed formations scattered along the trails near her Mundaring Hills (Perth) studio, Storie of Seeds-KARRAK is a metaphoric call to action— a seed of awareness. With every form, I invite viewers to
consider the cost of deforestation, and to envision a forest that feeds future generations.
“The Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Karrak), endemic to south-western Australia, is listed as
Vulnerable under both the WA Biodiversity Conservation Act and the federal EPBC Act, with fewer
than 15,000 individuals remaining in the wild.”
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
SOLD
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
Ballardong wild Clay, Raku Fired
2025
22 x 20 x 35cm
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Stoneware, Gas Fired Reduction
52cm x 38 x 12cm
2022
Private Collection
Process galze tests
Process imprinting
Process bisqued work detail
Process bisqued work detail
Crop Cirle
Outdoor Installation
2025
Photo; Angie Roe
Crop Cirle
Outdoor Installation
2025
Photo; Steve Alyian
Crop Cirle
Outdoor Installation
2025
Photo; Steve Alyian
Crop Cirle
Outdoor Installation
2025
Photo; Artist
ETHOS
MELISSA ELLERO
Artist / Arts Educator / Curator / Facilitator
melellero@gmail.com
Instagram @clay.and.fire
Artist / Arts Educator / Curator / Facilitator
melellero@gmail.com
Instagram @clay.and.fire
ARTISTS STATEMENT
Having experienced drought, fire and floods while living in regional areas has forged
a deep connection to the raw and often harsh beauty and cycles of the Australian
bush and the fauna and flora that create this beautiful place we call home.
My work is a response to the bush environment, observations of colours, forms and
patterns that underpin her exploration of themes in her work. My intent is to evoke
memories and the sense of a place and time and how we can respond and
harmonise our human existence with the natural world.
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to more deeply explore their local
environment and to become invested in the health of its complex ecosystems and
how with knowledge and awareness we can minimise the destruction and focus on
the preservation of our flora and fauna.
Having experienced drought, fire and floods while living in regional areas has forged
a deep connection to the raw and often harsh beauty and cycles of the Australian
bush and the fauna and flora that create this beautiful place we call home.
My work is a response to the bush environment, observations of colours, forms and
patterns that underpin her exploration of themes in her work. My intent is to evoke
memories and the sense of a place and time and how we can respond and
harmonise our human existence with the natural world.
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to more deeply explore their local
environment and to become invested in the health of its complex ecosystems and
how with knowledge and awareness we can minimise the destruction and focus on
the preservation of our flora and fauna.