Interview with Melanie Vugich

Melanie Vugich, Australian Artist, The Corner Store Gallery. — Melanie Vugich in her home and studio. Photograph by Jordan Wheatley.

Interview with Melanie Vugich

Melanie Vugich returns to The Corner Store Gallery this June with her second solo exhibition, April, a vibrant new collection of still life paintings filled with florals, fruit, colour and pattern. Known for her joyful, richly detailed compositions, Melanie captures everyday objects with warmth and personality.

In this interview, we chat about her creative process, the inspiration behind her new work, and how her surroundings continue to shape her unique still life style. Whether painted in her Broken Hill studio or while travelling, Melanie’s paintings celebrate the beauty of the everyday in a way that’s instantly recognisable.

April is now live on our website and will be on exhibition at the gallery form June 18th - 28th. We’d love you to join us for a drink to celebrate this beautiful new collection on Saturday April 21st from 2pm!

PDF Exhibition Catalogue

It's been a few years since you last exhibited with us. What's changed for you and your practice since 2021?

I remember that first solo show with you was closed down an hour before the opening due to the Covid lockdowns, and this marks the point at which we all had to adapt to ever-changing rules. Because the art world exploded during lockdown, it was a very productive time for me – I was able to paint every day and used Instagram as a way to promote and sell my work.

I’ve since held a couple of solo shows, exhibited with Sarah Birtles Art + Advice at the Affordable Art Fairs in Melbourne and Singapore and collaborated with several companies on book covers and product labels.

I also began working with Oscar de la Renta during the lockdown period and have really enjoyed continuing to collaborate with the team on their beautiful fabric designs.

For those new to your work, how would you describe your painting style and what draws you to still life and interiors?

I am very attracted to Post-Impressionism, Fauvism and all the artists of that time, so I feel my style is heavily influenced by this period. My love of colour comes from studying these artists and falling completely in love with their work... After so many years of working as an artist, I still spend hours looking over my art books.

Still life has always been my favourite genre – I love everything from setting up beautiful scenes to choosing colours. I sometimes paint interiors, which I also love, but always find myself returning to still life.

Your paintings are known for their vibrant colours, layered patterns and joyful atmosphere. What’s your starting point when composing a new piece?

My paintings usually begin with the flowers and fruits of the season. I then choose colours and begin my setups. I have a vast collection of vases, fabrics, books and objects that have been collected over the years, both from Italy and here. The composition is the fun part – I play around until I see it works, then I take a photograph and start the drawing and painting process

Your use of pattern and texture is so distinctive. Are there specific sources (places, cultures, textiles) that inspire these elements?

After living in Florence for 24 years and spending a lot of time in the south of Italy and south of France, my work is very influenced by both cultures. I also really love Australian flora and, being from Broken Hill, I spend a lot of time in the outback, so tend to draw inspiration from all the places I have lived in and loved.

What’s next for you after this exhibition, any new projects or directions you're excited about?

Later this year I’ll be showing again at the Melbourne and Singapore Affordable Art Fairs with Sarah Birtles, and I have some exciting things happening in 2026, with dates and details yet to be finalised!