ABOUT
Mel Streater is a descendant of the Wiradjuri Nation, born and living in the beautiful seaside town of Guruk (Port Macquarie) on Birrbay Country. Her love of art developed at a young age, inspired by watching her father paint and sculpt. Marramarra is the Wiradjuri word meaning “to create, to make, to do,” and as Mel’s hands, and understanding of the world grew, she recognised a deep drive to capture and create beautiful moments.
Her visual practice is defined by detailed fine-line illustration paired with bold, contrasting colour palettes, forming a strong and distinctive narrative style.
Mel holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design, along with Certificates II, III and IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts. She has also completed Certificates I, II and III in Wiradjuri Language, has a Cert IV in TAE and currently teaches Wiradjuri Language through Yarradamarra Aboriginal Learning Centre at Dubbo TAFE. She is committed to a lifelong journey of learning and deepening her knowledge of Language.
Mel enjoys weaving visual and written storytelling together to share ideas, knowledge and lived experiences. Central to all her work is a commitment to culturally informed and ethical design. Her passion for environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and social justice, particularly for her people, guides her to work with clients whose values align with her own
Marramarra Creative is a proud Supply Nation Registered business, a member of the Indigenous Art Code, and is 100% Aboriginal owned and operated.
Marramarra Creative Manifesto
We listen to our Elders and their words of wisdom.
We ask our Ancestors to guide us with courage and Yindyamarra (respect).
We recognise the importance of fostering relationships.
We remain open to new experiences. These are opportunities for growth.
We do our best to achieve balance. This can take time. That is okay. We will always continue to reach.
We stand up for ourselves and others.
We let go of that which is not for us.
We give little time to those who say we can’t.
By empowering others, we empower ourselves.
Supporting and encouraging each other takes nothing away from us.
We take responsibility.
We give credit.
We learn best by doing.
We share our knowledge freely. Giving back is important.
We respect the earth that nourishes and shelters us by designing from an ethical and sustainable framework.
We make conscious choices to protect our environment, our wildlife and our people.
We learn to spot the difference between authenticity and sham. Authenticity is paramount.
We question and unpack information given to us before accepting it as truth.
We surround ourselves with masters of our craft so that we may learn from their knowledge.
We take time to practice our skills and learn to celebrate the imperfections, for we are human.
We forgive our errors by revelling in our humanity.
We look for the joy in everyday circumstances.
We understand the significance of persistence and patience.
Whatever we do, we do with our whole heart.