Melanie Tribe
Textile Artist & Needle Felter | Darwin, Australia
Melanie Tribe is a Darwin-based textile artist renowned for her intricate needle-felted creations that bring the natural world to life. Specializing in dry needle felting, Melanie sculpts vibrant 3D forms—such as mangrove crabs, lobsters, and mudskippers—using dyed wool fibers and wire frames, capturing the essence of Darwin’s coastal ecosystems. Her work often reflects her deep connection to the local environment, particularly the mangrove forests, which inspire her detailed and tactile artworks.
Melanie’s artistic journey is rooted in her passion for nature and community engagement. She collaborates with fellow artists on projects like the Mangrove Ecosystem Installation, which combines recycled materials and felted sculptures to educate audiences about coastal biodiversity. This project has garnered national attention and will be exhibited at Questacon, Australia’s premier science museum, in 2025.
In addition to her studio practice, Melanie is an educator, offering workshops on needle felting and glass fusing. Her classes, held at venues like Tactile Arts Gallery, introduce beginners to the art of transforming wool fibers into textured, lifelike creations.
Melanie’s work is a celebration of Darwin’s unique landscapes, blending artistry with environmental storytelling.
