Let’s be real — art galleries can feel confusing.
You walk into a big, white room. You see something on the wall. Maybe it’s a photo. It could be a sculpture. Or maybe… just a bunch of colours.
And you think:
“I don’t get it.”
That’s actually a very normal reaction.
Hi, I’m Jess — I’m one of the team here at Avas Support, and I also have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts). Before I worked in disability support, I studied and made art in contemporary art spaces.
In those settings, we were taught not to explain our art too much. The idea was to trust the audience and let them figure it out. Assume they’re smart.
And while there’s still value in that approach — I also know it can leave people feeling left out.
Especially in a community space, where connection matters most.
At Avas Support, we don’t believe in leaving people out.
We believe everyone can be creative — and everyone deserves to understand and connect with art.
That’s why in our Artist Spotlight series, we’re going to look at the work of a real contemporary artist — and break it down together.
Let’s start with someone whose work is thoughtful, layered, and full of quiet meaning: Danie Mellor.
Who is Danie Mellor?
Danie Mellor is an Australian artist. He grew up in Queensland and now lives in the Blue Mountains.
He has Aboriginal heritage (Ngadjon-jii and Mamu) and Scottish roots. That mix of cultures — and what it means — shapes much of his work.
Danie creates art that looks peaceful at first — but reveals deep layers of history, memory, and meaning when you look closer.
His work often features beautiful landscapes — rainforests, rivers, animals — with symbols and drawings layered over the top.
He works across photography, painting, drawing, and sometimes video to explore ideas about Country, memory, and how people connect (or disconnect) from land and each other.
What Kind of Art Does He Make?
Danie Mellor currently has an exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery called marru | the unseen visible.
The title is a clue — it’s about what we don’t always see. What’s hidden, what’s forgotten, what’s invisible unless you stop and really look.
One of his artworks looks like a peaceful rainforest photograph. But if you take more time, you’ll notice symbols across the trees. They resemble old maps or spirit shapes — something just beyond view. Something important.
His work invites you to slow down and look deeper.
Why We Like His Work
We love Danie’s work because:
- It’s beautiful and meaningful.
- It uses real places and memories.
- It’s made with layers — just like people.
- It gives us time to feel, think, and wonder.
It also reminds us that everyone sees art differently — and that’s okay.
Imagine one of Danie’s rainforest images.
At first, it might look like a regular photo: green trees, ferns, maybe some mist.
But then…
- Symbols appear across the trees, almost hidden.
- You see fine lines drawn over the photo.
- Soon, the picture begins to feel like it’s telling a story
You might not know exactly what that story is — and that’s okay.
Sometimes, art isn’t about understanding everything.
It’s about feeling something.
It’s about asking:
- “What does this remind me of?”
- “Where have I seen trees like this before?”
- “What’s my connection to the land I live on?”
That’s where the magic happens.
Art Activity: Make Your Own Story Layers
Inspired by Danie Mellor’s work, here’s a simple art activity:
What You’ll Need:
- A photo of something important to you (home, nature, family, etc.)
- OR draw your own background
- A clear plastic sheet (like tracing paper)
- White paint pens or markers
- Glue or tape
- Optional: paper, scissors, and symbols that mean something to you
What To Do:
- Create your background.
- Choose a photo or draw something meaningful to you — it could be your home, a tree you love, a pet, or a peaceful place.
- Make sure it’s something that brings up feelings or memories. This will be the base of your artwork.
- Reflect on what’s unseen.
- Look at your image and think: What’s the story behind this?
- What don’t people know just by looking?
- Write down a few thoughts or memories connected to it. These will help you with the next step.
- Draw your invisible story.
- Place your clear plastic sheet (like tracing paper) over the image.
- Using a white paint pen or marker, draw symbols, lines, words, or shapes that represent the hidden layers of your story.
- You can include symbols that mean something to you — like stars, animals, footsteps, or even shapes that remind you of places or people.
- Layer your story.
- Once your clear sheet has your drawings, tape or glue it over the background image.
- This creates a two-layer piece of art: the visible and the invisible, just like Danie Mellor’s.
- Share your story.
- If you’d like, explain your artwork to someone else.
- You can tell them what the background is, what the symbols mean, and what memories or feelings the whole piece represents.
- Sharing can be powerful — it helps others understand you better and brings your art to life.
This project encourages reflection and self-expression. You don’t need to be a professional artist — just be honest and open with your story.
Planning a Visit? Here’s a Challenge for You
Danie Mellor’s exhibition marru | the unseen visible is showing at the Queensland Art Gallery (Gallery 14) from 15 March to 3 August 2025. Admission is free.
Here’s your challenge:
- Choose an artwork that catches your eye.
- Spend at least 5 minutes with it.
- Ask:
- What do I notice first?
- What details appear the longer I look?
- How does it make me feel?
- What memory or place does it remind me of?
Art is more than something to look at — it’s something to experience.
When you slow down, you’ll see:
- Patterns you missed
- Layers you hadn’t noticed
- Connections to your own life
That’s when art becomes yours.
Why This Matters At Avas Support
At Avas Support, we believe everyone has stories worth sharing.
Art is a powerful way to do that — especially when words are hard to find.
We don’t think art should feel exclusive or intimidating. We think it should be for everyone.
Including you.
Final Reflection
There’s a saying in the art world:
“The more time you spend with art, the more it gives you.”
The best artworks aren’t always the ones you understand immediately.
They’re often the ones that stay with you — like a puzzle, a poem, or a meaningful conversation.
Danie Mellor’s work reminds us:
- There are stories in people, places, and memories.
- You don’t need to understand everything to feel something.
- Everyone’s perspective matters.
We hope this inspires you to slow down, look closer, and tell your story.
We’d love to welcome you!
Our art groups at Avas Support are friendly and relaxed — open to anyone who wants to explore their creativity.
No need to be a “good artist.” Just be open to trying.
We’ll support you to experiment, reflect, and connect.
Reach out to our team if you’re interested in joining.
We’re always happy to help.
Plan Your Visit:
Danie Mellor: marru | the unseen visible
Queensland Art Gallery (Gallery 14)
15 March – 3 August 2025
Free entry
Visit: www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
Art is for everyone — including you.
Slow down. Look closer. Tell your story.