A former pupil of Roundwood Park, Melanie Cutler is an artist who specialises in the political and social arena. As well as traditional artistic skills, learned whilst at school like drawing, painting and sculpture, she chose to put all that on hold whilst bringing up her family. Mel went to university in her late 40’s to get a degree in Fine Art. Whilst studying she realised that the path she wanted to take was more gritty than the traditional art disciplines.
Choosing performance art and installation more recently, this artist wanted to challenge and stretch her practice, likewise her audience. Her last exhibited work is controversial and tackles the issues of suicide and welfare reform, which polarises the opinions of those who see it.
Mel spent an extra year in 6th form at Roundwood, choosing to learn to type, alongside other administrative subjects. This path took her to London where she worked in an office environment for many years. Now this once frustrated artist is able to balance her creativity with her lifestyle, running a business and becoming a Director of a local charity. She continues to be an activist fighting inequality through her art.
You can see more of her work at www.mel-cutler.co.uk