Hi, I’m Meli Axford.
Artist Talk
Art, courage, late beginnings and making space
In my artist talk, I share the story behind my creative practice — from growing up in regional Queensland, to working in tech, raising a family, building a studio, and finally claiming my identity as an artist.
This talk is honest, warm and deeply human. It is about creativity, resilience, motherhood, fear, confidence, and the long path toward doing the thing you feel called to do.
Through my pool paintings, I speak about creating worlds where girls and women are safe, visible, valued and free to take up space. I also share the personal story behind the work: how the swimming pool became a symbol of care, structure, freedom and belonging.
This is a talk for anyone who has ever felt it might be too late to begin, too risky to change direction, or too vulnerable to fully step into who they are.
Available for events
I am available to deliver this talk for a range of events, including:
team building days
women’s events
creative industry events
podcasts and interviews
artist talks and gallery programs
schools, community groups and organisations
conferences and panel discussions
The talk can be tailored to suit your audience, with a focus on creativity, resilience, women taking up space, building a meaningful practice, or the story behind my work.
Enquiries
To enquire about booking me for an artist talk, podcast, interview or event, please get in touch.
Contact: meli@figjamit.com.au
I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
More Than an Artist Talk
My talks explore the unexpected path that led me to becoming a professional artist after a 30-year career in business and technology.
Through stories from my own life, I speak about creativity, resilience, vulnerability, late beginnings, and the courage required to pursue meaningful work. I share how my painting practice developed, the ideas behind my pool series, and why I am passionate about creating images of a world where girls and women are safe, valued, and able to fully occupy space.
Whether speaking to artists, business leaders, students, community groups, or podcast audiences, my goal is always the same: to leave people feeling inspired to trust their own creative instincts and take the next step toward the work that matters to them.
Ideas That
Last
My talks explore themes of belonging, identity, resilience, and the environments we create for ourselves and others. These conversations often continue long after the event itself.
Creativity & Courage
I share the lessons I've learned from building a creative practice later in life, overcoming self-doubt, and finding the confidence to finally call myself an artist.
Stories That Connect
Audiences respond to the honesty of the journey—from growing up in regional Queensland, to working in technology, raising a family, and eventually building a life around creativity.