This is an original work by Melissa Ladkin.

‘Mel Ladkin is a descendant of the Awabakal & Wonnarua nations with ties to the Githabul Bundjalung people. She has been living and working on Bundjalung Country for the past 16 years. 

From a young age, Mel experienced a deep and intuitive connection to the land, spending most of her childhood exploring it with her father. She felt the earth speak to her and was moved by the richness and depth of the colours that form the many ochres she has come across over time; time that she has spent in the bush, working with native plants, trees, their habitats and caring for country. Mel has always had a love of geology and been fascinated with rocks, minerals and soils.

Working specifically with ochre and guided by the old people, from careful and respectful collection to the preparation & making of pigment paint, Mel’s process is a very personal journey - a time of deep connection and acknowledgement of all that have come before her.

Mel’s collection of artworks has evolved with much thought, care and respect. Her work speaks of an ancient wisdom, and she hopes her work will inspire others to open up to the spirit of the land and to the rich culture and knowledge that it holds.’

 “My practice represents the multi-layered history of our people and our intrinsic connection to country. I have been caring for country for most of my life and have a reciprocal relationship with the land.  This practice has brought me closer to the heart of our ancient land and shares old stories & wisdom. Ochres are living, sentient beings, filled with energy & spirit; they hold a knowing that is learned over deep time. I acknowledge and honour the connection that my people and all traditional owners have to this mineral medium.  I respect & understand that each different nation/clan group has its own history, traditional cultural practices, protocols and spiritual beliefs to ochres. These ochre stories are the palette of my cultural expression and I hope they can evoke and resonate with your own connection to country and how you walk upon it.” - Melissa Ladkin

Artist CV is available on request.

Authenticity certificate is provided.

Freight is charged separately to the artwork purchase.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to view additional images of this work - we would be delighted to assist!