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Melissa May Brunton
- Female
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australia
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Melissa May Brunton's Page
Profile Information
- I Love Hats Because?
- of their timeless beauty
- About Me
- Biography
Melissa Brunton: Artist/Designer, Melbourne
Born into horse racing, I completed an apprenticeship as an Equestrian Jockey and was quickly xacclimatized to a disciplined lifestyle. The small dainty child I was, now held the reins as a prominent sports person. With my earnings I relocated from Hobart to Byron Bay in a bright yellow ‘Combi’ to find my creative self and be young and free. I pursued a Fashion Design course in Byron Bay and learned basic sewing skills, but my ideas could not be manifested and I quickly lost interest in the trade.
I shifted again to Melbourne, our creative capital. I entered the Fashion industry at an entry-level with Grab Jeans working directly with the Chief Executive Officer in an Assistant position. Injuries sustained during the horse racing I was still doing, lead me to pursue a physically demanding career. After two years, I gained extensive industry knowledge but my creativity was still not being utilized. I returned to study at Melbourne School of Fashion where my personal style had evolved and my confidence had flourished. My career as a ‘Felter’ would be spawned here.
Knitting, Crocheting and Hand-weaving samples were painfully tedious yet missing the artist’s footprint. There was little room for originality, unlike ‘Felting’ which initially appeared tacky with exemplars shown that resembled a smudged and frothy mess. However, once in the driver’s seat applying myself, I realized how much variance could be created in this uncommon practice. I had the freedom to apply as much water, friction and physical pressure, as I desired producing many different outcomes. I am completely self-taught and the meticulous, repetitive nature of Felting, satisfied the creative soul within.
I use Australian-sourced Merino Fibres, which form the base layers and Silk also has a strong presence within my work. I am a collector of Antique haberdashery, and have unearthed vintage treasures from the most obscure locations to incorporate into my Wraps. The finished result is unpredictable but is promised to be a product of raw Artistic gesture. My initial vision expands as the fibres enlarge, and what results is an illustrious skeletal drape, robust and resilient in form.
My wraps are the result of raw excitement, tedious rolling and unrolling and the addition of more and more exotic materials. It is a tedious but faultless process in my own Artistic right.
I was encouraged by peers and began to develop a loyal client base, building wraps to suit all occasions, from Weddings to Nursery blankets. Each commission is a new challenge that I embrace, with the same drive I had as a Jockey.
“Repetitive pulses are applied to the mat with a power and magnetism that stuns viewers. I am a pioneer of colour field and texture, using a limited palette and organic contents. The merino sinews are built to last and are soothingly transcendent.”
"chaotic simplicity where the treasures I collect become the necessary life force that revives
Because of the rawness of the fibres and the history behind the Vintage materials I collect, it's as though the piece has a life force and a story to tell.
- Website
- maymuck.com
Comment Wall (2 comments)
Wonderful you found our website Melissa. So pleased you have joined me in Hat Academy and hope you find it inspiring. I am committed to helping you add to your skills.
I set his up to help Beginners -once you learn the basic techniques you will be surprised how creative you can be. Millinery is a creative art & in huge demand currently. Any questions do message me here.
Raw felting is having such a revival esp in Europe but even here in Australia some of my students are discovering it to develop into headwear.
To make the most of Hat Academy remember to read through the Welcome Page - Read here
Enjoy & Happy New Year, Elaine
Congratulations on starting your first lesson bundle Melissa. Sorry I have not connected earlier. Had not realized Simons email was yours.
To kick off make sure you have read through Getting Started and FAQs. Any questions on individual modules please ask by clicking "Lesson Discussions" located on the lesson video page.
Any questions do come back to me.
Happy Hatting, Elaine
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