MY STORY
A life spent making things.
South African mixed-media artist.
Living and working in Bedfordshire, UK.
I've been making things for as long as I can remember. I spent so much of my childhood making things with anything I could get my hands on - beads, candles, fabric, broken mirrors, paper, scraps of wood...anything!
In high school , I had an incredible art teacher, and also a mentor from the church I attended at the time. Both were incredible artists in their own right, and were instrumental in shaping me into the artist I would become.
After school, art took a back seat while I worked as a singer, living in countries across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. I still made things. That part of me never really stopped.
When I returned to South Africa, I began taking my art seriously as a career.
Following my curiosity.
As my practice developed, I kept experimenting. I've never wanted to stick to one medium. I love that almost anything can be reimagined as art materials. There's so much freedom in that.
Over the years I've worked with seeds, wax, old jewellery, mirrors, coins and rusty washers. I'm drawn to things others might overlook, and the possibility of giving them a new purpose.
I'm obsessed with colour and textural contrast. Rough beside smooth, matte against reflective, something delicate alongside something weathered. Those differences keep me curious, and curiosity is what feeds the soul of any artist.
Later, I moved to Dubai, where much of my inspiration came from scuba diving and the ocean. Becoming a diver, and then dive master, gave me the chance to experience the world beneath the surface, with its colours, movement, textures and light. I was mesmerised!
I've since moved to the UK to be closer to my family, and have truly found my home here after being nomadic for so long.
Here, I've become fascinated by the changing seasons, how the light and weather shift, and how closely everyday life follows these natural rhythms.
From my studio in Bedfordshire, I'm discovering new things to notice, collect and experiment with. The ocean will always be a part of my story, and now there's a whole changing landscape to draw inspiration from.
My Art. Your Interpretation.
For me, abstract art is much like instrumental music. Colour, texture and composition tell a story without needing 'words' to communicate what the painting, or song, is about.
I bring my own memories and point of view to a painting, and you bring yours too. I love leaving room for that, and I especially love hearing about your experience of the artwork.
Say hello.
If a painting has caught your eye, you have a question about a piece, or you'd simply like to share what brought you here, I'd love to hear from you.
You can use the contact form or email me directly at studio@melissagoodenough.com
Are you a designer or art consultant looking for custom artwork for a client or project? I am open for select commissions. Please get in touch.
