Melanie Tomlinson tells herself:
Running through my work like threads, are themes from folklore. These allow me to step into another world, to explore the world of the unfamiliar and transform its stories and symbols. The themes and messages in folktales transcend time and culture and are still relevant to our own experiences.

Some of the tableaux are automated with the movement hidden inside the piece and some are static. I like the element of surprise that happens when you discover a small handle, that when turned brings the piece to life. Many of the tableaux sit on top of a box which has a printed interior. The boxes are not obvious at first, but when discovered, can become secret hiding places for personal artefacts.

My designs often incorporate illusory symbols that relate to the piece?s theme. For instance, a lacy skirt might on closer inspection be composed of spiders, wolves, snowflakes or birds. My intention is to continue highlighting the traditions of folklore as a way of commenting on what I experience in the here and now.