Bio
Melanie Thompson
mdthompson@shaw.ca
Melanie Thompson is a Canadian multi disciplinary visual artist. For years a professional basket maker Melanie completed the Diploma in Fine Arts at ECUAD and continued with additional course work for a number of years. Her practice has a conceptual focus on material transformation and the environment. It includes both 2 and 3 dimensional work often in installations. Some of the disciplines she employs are basketry, stitching, collage, sculpture, print making, eco printing, ink making, and encaustic and acrylic painting. Melanie has exhibited and sold her work widely. Her work can currently be found at Summer Artcraft, The Pottery and Nook on Salt Spring Island, BC. It can also be viewed at https://ssartscouncil.com/user/melanie-thompson, www.craftcouncilbc.ca and on her instagram account https://www.instagram.com/melaniethompson1
Statement
Dip Net-catch of the day
Melanie Thompson
Our continued use of plastics sounds the death knell for the marine environment. I want to remind the viewer of the ubiquitous amount of plastic waste we generate. We pay lip service to reducing waste yet daily consume plastic wrapped products many of which you see inside the dip net. I despair of ever seeing plastic waste diminish.
This piece is made of plastic fishing lures called hoochies. They are attached to plastic fence netting used to protect gardens from deer. I see beauty in the hoochies and use them to draw the viewer in and reveal the relevant meaning.
