CONCEPTUAL CERAMICIST
PROFILE
BIO
Melissa Ellero is an artist and arts facilitator whose career has been shaped by work in Regional Arts NSW in remote communities, including the Torres Strait Islands and the WA Wheatbelt, and through her own ceramic training & studio practice. She is committed to creating sustainable, arts-based opportunities, public programs and educational initiatives that engage broad and sometimes marginalised groups within the community.
Her work in arts management, curation, program development, workshops and study groups reflects her belief that creative practice builds stronger cultural identity and deeper connection with people, country, history and stories. She has worked independently and across government, NGO, small business and community sectors.
Melissa’s practice in ceramics began at the ANU School of Art in Canberra, following early explorations in painting and sculpture. Influenced by both Western and Japanese traditions working in trational and studio enviroments,, she has trained with leading ceramicists including Katherine Bennett, Rebecca Dowling, Paul Davis and Ian Jones, and has participated in numerous specialist workshops, conferences and masterclasses in Australia and internationally.
Since relocating to Western Australia in 2011, she has continued her professional development under Greg Crowe, Warrick Palmateer and Belai Kotai, completing an Advanced Ceramics Certificate at Central TAFE (2019–2020). Working from her home studio in the Perth HIlls/Fremantle, she draws inspiration from the natural environment. Melissa is active in the ceramics community holding positions on the Australian Cermaics Triennale Committee 2025 and teaching adults and children at Fremantle Arts Centre, producing commissions, and exhibiting in group and invited shows.
Her practice spans a broad range of mediums and approaches within the visual arts, crafts and design, with ceramics at its core.
Her work in arts management, curation, program development, workshops and study groups reflects her belief that creative practice builds stronger cultural identity and deeper connection with people, country, history and stories. She has worked independently and across government, NGO, small business and community sectors.
Melissa’s practice in ceramics began at the ANU School of Art in Canberra, following early explorations in painting and sculpture. Influenced by both Western and Japanese traditions working in trational and studio enviroments,, she has trained with leading ceramicists including Katherine Bennett, Rebecca Dowling, Paul Davis and Ian Jones, and has participated in numerous specialist workshops, conferences and masterclasses in Australia and internationally.
Since relocating to Western Australia in 2011, she has continued her professional development under Greg Crowe, Warrick Palmateer and Belai Kotai, completing an Advanced Ceramics Certificate at Central TAFE (2019–2020). Working from her home studio in the Perth HIlls/Fremantle, she draws inspiration from the natural environment. Melissa is active in the ceramics community holding positions on the Australian Cermaics Triennale Committee 2025 and teaching adults and children at Fremantle Arts Centre, producing commissions, and exhibiting in group and invited shows.
Her practice spans a broad range of mediums and approaches within the visual arts, crafts and design, with ceramics at its core.