Hello, I am a Sydney Artist with a passion for creating large-scale installation and sculptural art. My art allows me to work with the community which I love doing - it makes me feel connected to people and part of the art culture. I love using sustainable materials and always find something recycled to use in my work. Here is a video of me in my art studio (can you hear the pouring rain on the tin roof?!)

My 9 metre woven glowing tunnel for the Beams Festival 2015 - self funded artwork using recycled tshirt yarn.

Art Residency

I have been offered a one week residency at a Berlin Gallery/art space in September 2016, and have the opportunity to create an installation in their workspace, which is offered to selected artists. During the residency, I will create a large art installation using the workspace over one week. I will then donate my artwork to the Berlin community to be displayed permanently. It is my dream to get involved internationally, and there's no better place than to begin with Berlin's buzzing art community. 

This is where I need your help! This amazing opportunity requires funding, in order to make it possible to participate in the residency. I have previously created several self-funded artworks in the past, but for this opportunity I require some assistance from the community. I hope that by undertaking this residency abroad, it will be the next step in my art career and help create a global connection. I also look forward to sharing this experience back in Australia.

My 9 metre woven glowing tunnel for the Beams Festival 2015 - self funded artwork using recycled tshirt yarn.

I will be creating a woven hanging installation, using recycled materials, which will be sourced locally in Berlin. I am hoping to use recycled t-shirts/fabric collected from second-hand shops or donated by locals, and turn them into fabric strips to weave with. This will provide a strong connection between the artwork and the place that it was created in, giving a sense of community to the work. The installation will be designed specifically to suit the space that I will donate the work to. I am in the process of looking for a creative, unique and edgy space in Berlin where the art installation will be appreciated (for example, a gallery, community space or cafe).

Volunteers from the community helping me create a large woven installation using recycled tshirt yarn.

My Background

I am an established Contemporary Artist living in Sydney and have completed a Visual Art degree, along with many years experience in the Australian art scene. I contribute art within the community through festivals, art exhibitions, collaborations and commissions.

Setting up my Macrame Installation with hand-dyed rope for the Oxford Hotel, Sydney

I also regularly volunteer within the community within the arts, and a recent highlight was helping organise an art auction fundraiser called "One Sydney" in 2015, where we successfully raised and donated $7,000 for Asylum Seekers in Sydney.

My art career highlights

- creating hand-dyed macrame installations for Seafolly at 5 key stores across Australia; 

- creating a hand-dyed macrame installation for the Oxford Hotel, Sydney, Australia;

- creating a 9 metre woven glowing tunnel at the Beams Festival 2015, Sydney, Australia; 

- completing a 2.5 metre Treble Clef Sculpture Commission for the Blues N' Roots Festival, Perth, Australia;

- participating in a Group Art Exhibition‘ Material Pleasure’ at Heathcote Gallery, Perth, Australia;

To see more examples of my art, visit my website: www.melissacarey.com.au

One of my hand-dyed macrame installations for Seafolly at 5 stores across Australia

I also run craft workshops that are held in my art studio, where I teach people new skills for a range of art and craft techniques. I really love being able to share my knowledge, and encourage people to unleash their creativity during the workshops.

During my macrame weaving workshop in my art studio

I hope you can support me in this campaign to make this residency possible!

With Crafty Kindness, 

Artist Melissa Carey x

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.melissacarey.com.au

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/artistmelissacarey

Instagram: http://instagram.com/artistmelissacarey

Your donation towards my campaign will go towards the costs of making the residency possible. When donating, there are a selection of "Rewards" where you can choose a personalised artwork made my myself when you donate! (click on the rewards tab to see the options).

$1,400 residency stay and living costs (includes accommodation and workspace for one week)

$1,000 artwork material, tools and supplies cost 

$300 photographer to document work and residency

$300 pozible campaign fee

Any extra donations will go towards:

- Making a bigger and better artwork!

- Flights to Berlin

Thank you so much for supporting me x

Without your support, the residency will be not possible, as I do not have the funds to support this opportunity.