Melissa Hynes (née Simmonds) is a Brisbane-based artist whose practice is grounded in a deep connection to place, memory and history. Drawing on the Australian landscape, her work reflects an ongoing dialogue with native flora and fauna, as well as the quiet emotional narratives embedded within both rural and urban environments.
Working primarily with acrylics and mixed media, Melissa embraces warmth, texture and intuitive mark-making. Botanical forms such as waratahs and gum leaves, alongside familiar animals including hares, cows and kookaburras, appear as symbolic gestures rather than literal representations—evoking themes of belonging, resilience and gentleness.
Alongside her artistic practice, Melissa works in education, supporting young people who are unable to thrive within mainstream schooling. This experience deeply informs her work, embedding qualities of empathy, patience and quiet strength throughout her practice. While time for making has become more limited, painting remains essential to her identity—an enduring act of presence and meaning.
Melissa’s work invites moments of stillness and recognition, offering space for reflection and connection within the everyday Australian experience.