ABOUT

Melissa

Melissa Howard 


Sebastian Studios is the vision of Melissa Howard, entrepreneurial artist. With a lifetime of creative roads travelled, Melissa's artwork is an evocation of the rich cultural tapestry that is the artist's nomadic life experience.

Though born in Coffs Harbour,  the artist’s early years were spent in the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong and South Africa thus developing as a self-described ‘Cosmopolitan Nomad’. 

During Melissa’s years in Johannesburg, a recommendation was made by her art teacher to abandon secondary studies and apply to the prestigious Johannesburg Art Foundation’s intense graphic design program. At age 15, portfolio strength saw the artist’s acceptance to the tertiary workload program.

Following this, the artist experienced a phase of expression through body-painting after completing a diploma in make-up and special effects.

In New Zealand, Melissa completed a Bachelor of Arts at Canterbury University in 2004; majoring in Political Science, Mass Communication and Film Studies. To date, the artist has created three short films and collaborated on a political documentary filmed in New York, 2004 during the mass protests to the Republican National Convention.

Previously, Melissa has exhibited under a 'nom de plume' with various galleries in Christchurch, Queenstown and Auckland representing the artist. Melissa’s works form part of private and corporate collections the world over; including Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, United States of America, South Africa, Canada and New Zealand.

Melissa recently returned to Brisbane after a very long 'walkabout' and has settled with her 12 year-old son in the Centenary suburbs.