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Meli Varley
b. 2006
Based in London & Bristol, UK
ameliahvarley@gmail.com
07722939846
I am an artist and student working in London. My studio practice is interdisciplinary, ranging from sculptural work where I experiment with materials and processes such as welding to drawing, video and writing, which can be experimental or critical. My interest in writing lends itself to my work in curation and wider socially engaged practice, which I am excited to pursue further.
Education
2025- 2028 BA Fine Art & History of Art, Goldsmiths University of London
2024- 2025 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, University of the Arts London
2026 Salòn June Exhibition, 15 Bateman Street, London
2025 Totterdown Arts Trail, Bristol
2024 Future Artists 2024, Centre Space Gallery, Bristol
2024 Bristol Faces, Cass Art, Bristol
Publications
2026 Hilma Magazine
My photographic series Are You Sitting Comfortably? is published in the 2nd edition of Hilma Magazine.
2025 [smiths] MAGAZINE
My poem Swallow alongside the image from my video installation of the same name is published in the Cult Issue of [smiths] MAGAZINE.
Awards
2024 Winner of the Bristol Faces Cass Art Prize
Relavent Work Experience
2025 Curator of Rage Against the Dying of the Light, Omnibus Theatre, London
Working with a team, I was involved in organising and curating an exhibition in response to Dylan Thomas’s poem Do not go gentle into that good night. My roles involved selecting artworks through an open call on social media, writing artist statements and biographies, conducting interviews with artists, curating the exhibition, organising a performance and poetry evening that took place within the exhibition, and creating graphics for advertising.
2025 Interior Design work experience at Daytrip Studio, London
This experience involved both working in the office, where I focused on using computer-aided design software to render designs, and attending on-site meetings, where I learned how to communicate with contractors about materials and negotiate ideas to bring designs to life.
2024 Invigilator at Renewal by Nicky Kay at Coningsby Gallery
Here, I learned about the practical aspects of running a commercial gallery space, from learning how artists can become represented by galleries to the selling of artworks to customers, which I did alongside invigilating the space.
2023 BFI Art Department film course
During this week-long specialist course, I was able to work with industry professionals to design and fabricate sets for short films, as well as experience life working in the art department on film sets in Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol.
Studio Practice/ Skills
Fabrication and installation, including woodwork and operating handheld machinery
Photography, including digital, film and film development in the dark room
Graphics using Photoshop and other Adobe applications
Social media management
Welding, etching, drawing, painting, sewing, knitting
Knowledge about using technology such as projectors and speakers in gallery settings
I provide fast and friendly customer service in a busy nightlife setting, keeping queues flowing smoothly and belongings organised under pressure.
2022-2026 Swimming Teacher, Lex Leisure, Bristol
I teach children and adults of all ages, adapting to different needs and learning styles Supported neurodiverse swimmers and their families to create inclusive, welcoming sessions building strong communication, patience, and people skills through contact with the public.
2024 Au Pair, Private Family, French Alps
I cared for an 18-month-old full-time while living abroad adapting quickly to new routines and communicating daily in French.
2022-2024 Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, British Heart Foundation, Bristol
Here, I served customers and operated the till as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award gaining retail and front-of-house experience, including handling money and stock. I learned conflict resolution skills and the ability to escalate issues to management when applicable.
A level:
Fine Art A*
Classics A
French B
GCSE:
Mathematics 9
English Language 9
English Literature 9
Combined Science 99
French 9
Fine Art 9
Geography 9
Religious Education 9
Last Updated 24.10.37