Mel Manser began working with clay almost 30 years ago under the tutelage of Anthony Millowick at the Gawler TAFE College. During this time she gained an Associate Diploma in Ceramics from the South Australian College of Advanced Education at Underdale in 1986 and a Bachelor of Visual Art (Ceramics) from UniSA in 2006. While studying at UniSA Mel learned new skills in glass blowing, glass casting, cold working and kiln forming glass which she intends to add to her studio practice.

Mel’s inspiration comes from many areas, in particular the natural environment. She considers herself an observer and enjoys absorbing information visually, aurally and tactilely, through specific research or simply through interaction with the world. The theories of psychologist Carl Jung influence how Mel translates her observations and explorations of other cultures and their histories, natural history, anthropology or archaeology into finished pieces. Mel is experienced in all ceramic techniques and utilises wheel throwing, hand building and slip casting in conjunction with different clay bodies and a variety of glaze and firing treatments to create her work.

Mel has been involved in 3 solo and 15 group exhibitions both in South Australia and interstate since 2004

Mel is based in Keith, 250km south east of Adelaide.