ABOUT
Mel Streater is a descendant of the Wiradjuri nation who was born and lives in the beautiful seaside town of Guruk, (Port Macquarie) on Birrbay Country. Her love of art developed at a young age while watching her dad 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 that she was driven to capture and create beautiful moments.
Her visual narrative is crafted with detailed, fine line illustrations and a bold contrasting colour palette.
Mel is a teacher of Aboriginal Cultural Arts at Wauchope TAFE campus and Wiradjuri Language online through Yarradamarra Aboriginal Learning Centre, Dubbo TAFE.
She has a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Design majoring in Graphic Design from Charles Sturt University, has completed Certificates II, III, & IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts. She also has Certificates II, & III in Wiradjuri Language and is on a continuous journey of furthering her understanding and education in her ancestral Country’s native tongue.
Mel enjoys tying visual and written content together to share ideas and stories. Central to all her work is a desire to design from a culturally aware and ethical framework. Her passion for environmental sustainability, preservation, and social justice - especially for her people, drives her to choose clients whose principles 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.