MELANIE KILBY ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR
about me
Melanie Kilby
Artist and co-founder of Finite Art Space
I balance my art practice between commissioned and personal work, illustration and occasionally teaching drawing workshops.
In 2017 my sensible career in Graphic Design took a detour and I opened a little indoor plant, art and homewares store in Brisbane called Botanika by Kismet.
During that time I indulged in my love of gardening, had a hell of a lot of chats and worked hard on my 'side project' of drawing pet portraits. I completed a massive 53 portraits in the first year and reignited the love of drawing that I'd lost since finishing an Illustration degree so many years earlier.
Since then my plant shop has closed but I've completed over 300 portraits, In 2021, I co-founded Finite Art Space, a pop up at 37 Latrobe Terrace in Paddington and have written and illustrated a children's book called Clare Don't Care.
I'm always open to drawing commissions, so get in touch if you have a specific project you'd like to discuss. Email field at the bottom of the page.
Studio photo courtesy of Peter McMahon 2020.
my career in short...
BVA Illustration Griffith University Queensland College of Art. Graduated 1998.
BA Graphic Design University of the Sunshine Coast. Graduated 2003.
I have over 22 years experience working as a Graphic Designer/Illustrator in Brisbane and London for a range of clients in retail, travel, advertising and not-for-profit.
ACCOLADES:
2023
• Finalist Brisbane Portrait Prize, Salon de Refuses with 'A Thousand Yards' and 'Grace'
• Finalist Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award with 'Colour Behind the Uniform'
2022
• Finalist Brisbane Portrait Prize, Salon de Refuses with 'Colour Behind the Uniform'
• Finalist Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award - COMMENDATION for 'Pure Joy'
2021
• Finalist Brisbane Portrait Prize with 'Shortchanged'
• Finalist Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award with 'Honeytrap'
2020
• Finalist Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award with 'Last Train Home'
• Finalist Brisbane Portrait Prize, Salon de Refuses with 'Bri Lee'
2019
• Finalist Lethbridge 10,000 Small Scale Art Award with 'Tigerlilly'
2017
• Finalist Lethbridge 10,000 Small Scale Art Award with 'Blink of an Eye'
SOLO & GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
• TOO MUCH NOT ENOUGH. Nov 2023, Studio on Brunswick Gallery, Fortitude Valley.
• FINITE ART SPACE. July 2021 to December 2021, 37 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington.
• ENTWINED. September 2019 at The Studio Brisbane, Latrobe Terrace, Paddington.
As photographed by Peter McMahon
I had the honour of being chosen as the subject of Peter McMahon's year-long photography project.
We compiled the final cut into the photo book below.
Starting as a side project, my pet portraiture has kinda taken off and makes an excellent (and thoughtful) gift for loved ones. My portraits have been described as "beautifully detailed and wonderfully emotive".
Whether it's large or small scale, traditional or digital, I'll work with you to bring your ideas to life. Get in touch for a chat about your requirements.
Art prints, original art and merch, you can find it here.
Order pet portraits here too!