Born in Brisbane in 1969, Meli Axford is an evocative oil painter whose canvases echo the profoundness of a mother's love and the haven parents aspire to build for their children. Drawing inspiration from her personal sanctuary – her home overlooking the breathtaking hinterland – Meli's pieces are intimate vignettes of her daughters, Lily and Mia, and their playful escapades with their moodles, Dug and Polo, by the in-ground pool. Meli's art transcends mere visual appeal, mirroring universal themes of self-discovery amidst life's intricacies, and drawing parallels to the contemporary storytelling of pop culture.  Meli has exhibited in New York and Australia (Murwillumbah, Gold Coast & Melbourne). She was a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2022, Wollumbin Art Award 2022 and the Bryon Art Prize in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Artist Statement

Meli's art transcends mere visual appeal, mirroring universal themes of self-discovery amidst life's intricacies, reminiscent of Barbie cinematic tales of self-awareness.

Amidst Australia's hinterland, Meli Axford's paintings vividly capture the complexities of adolescence under a mother’s protective gaze. Reflecting the nuances of her teenage daughters' lives, these works evoke themes found in the recent Barbie movie. Both narratives highlight the challenges of identity and societal pressures. As Barbie grapples with imperfection in a predefined world, Meli’s daughters navigate between youthful curiosity and budding adulthood.

Born in Brisbane in 1969, Meli Axford is an evocative oil painter whose canvases echo the profoundness of a mother's love and the haven parents aspire to build for their children. Drawing inspiration from her personal sanctuary – her home overlooking the breathtaking hinterland – Meli's pieces are intimate vignettes of her daughters, Lily and Mia, and their playful escapades with their moodles, Dug and Polo, by the in-ground pool.

With every stroke, Meli crafts a narrative of protection and shelter, encapsulating moments that speak of a child's carefree existence, safe from the looming complexities of the world beyond. It's not just about the vibrant play of sunlight on water or the candid joy of a child's laughter; her work delves deeper, touching on the innate desire of every mother to cocoon her offspring from adversity.

Every painting is a testimony to Meli's masterful technique, where the shimmering pool waters or the tranquil hinterland aren't just backgrounds but integral elements mirroring teenage contemplations. And while her technique with oil paints is undeniably skillful, it's her art's emotional depth that truly resonates, striking a chord with parents and adolescents alike. These pieces aren't just depictions but reflections of the delicate balance teens tread between childlike wonder and the precipice of adulthood, all under the protective gaze of a loving parent.

While Meli's evocative depictions resonate deeply within the confines of her own familial narrative, parallels can be drawn to the contemporary storytelling of pop culture, particularly evident in the recent Barbie movie.

Just as Barbie navigates the pristine halls of Barbieland, a realm where her existence is molded by others, Meli's daughters stand at the crossroads of adolescence, shaped by societal expectations and a mother's protective embrace.

Barbie's journey from a picture-perfect life to confronting the raw, unscripted realities – battling cellulite, emotional outbursts, and the imperfectness of everyday life – mirrors the delicate transition Meli captures in her daughters. Both narratives converge on the importance of self-discovery and redefining identity. Meli's art is an ode to this complex dance of growing up, much like Barbie's awakening in a world where her narrative isn't predefined but dependent on external emotions and perceptions.