CONCEPTUAL CERAMICIST
ECOLOGICAL ARTIST & EDUCATOR
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 inform my exploration and themes in my 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.
My practice is deeply rooted in series, slow repetition, process and the observation.
The evolution of evolving forms. Working intuitively, observing pattern, texture and geometry,
creating abstract suggestions of the landscape and flora. Material and the firing process is deeply
embedded in my process and work.
I bridge the gap between historical resource management and contemporary environmental awareness.
My process relies on sustainable material use and traditional techniques. This approach honors the long-held
understanding that humans are active custodians of the Earth, not just consumers. My work is a tactile record
of connection to place and resource. My work reflect a deep reverence for the ecosystems that sustain both our
physical needs. I invite a return to a mindful, interconnected way of living that values preservation over extraction.
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 inform my exploration and themes in my 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.
My practice is deeply rooted in series, slow repetition, process and the observation.
The evolution of evolving forms. Working intuitively, observing pattern, texture and geometry,
creating abstract suggestions of the landscape and flora. Material and the firing process is deeply
embedded in my process and work.
I bridge the gap between historical resource management and contemporary environmental awareness.
My process relies on sustainable material use and traditional techniques. This approach honors the long-held
understanding that humans are active custodians of the Earth, not just consumers. My work is a tactile record
of connection to place and resource. My work reflect a deep reverence for the ecosystems that sustain both our
physical needs. I invite a return to a mindful, interconnected way of living that values preservation over extraction.
PROFILE
BIO
Melissa Ellero is an artist and arts facilitator whose career has been shaped by work in remote communities, including Regional Arts NSW, 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 & Sturt Craft Centre , 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, Stuart Scambler, 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 the 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 & Sturt Craft Centre , 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, Stuart Scambler, 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 the core.
EXHIBITIONS
Group Shows
Lead Artist
“Dragon Kiln” Build & Firing
10 Nights in Port
Fremantle Arts Centre
Fremantle, WA
2026
Featured Artist
“Debut”
Oxford Street Gallery
Leederville, WA
2025
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Biosphere Boodja “Crop Circles”
Goomalling, WA
2025
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Edge of Wedge
Artsource Old Customs House
Fremantle, WA
2025
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Australian Ceramics Triennale
Fremantle Arts Centre
Fremantle, WA
2025
Selective Exhibition CAAWA
Stories of Seeds
Australian Ceramics Triennale
Wireless Hill Museum
Andross, WA
2022
Invited Exhibition
Under the Surface
Death by One Thousand Cuts
Lost in Eden
Dwellingup, WA
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Biosphere Boodja “Crop Circles”
Goomalling, WA
2025
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Edge of Wedge
Artsource Old Customs House
Fremantle, WA
2025
Exhibition
Stories of Seeds
Australian Ceramics Triennale
Fremantle Arts Centre
Fremantle, WA
2025
Selective Exhibition CAAWA
Stories of Seeds
Australian Ceramics Triennale
Wireless Hill Museum
Andross, WA
2022
Invited Exhibition
Under the Surface
Death by One Thousand Cuts
Lost in Eden
Dwellingup, WA