Arts & Culture
6 March, 2026
Artist of the Week - Meryl (Mezza) O’Brien
I have been asked by Southern Wire to be their very first artist of the week, a very humbling and exciting request. A little about myself, my background and why I love painting.
I have been asked by Southern Wire to be their very first artist of the week, a very humbling and exciting request.
A little about myself, my background and why I love painting.
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I now live in Marulan yearning for peace and quiet in my not so young years, having recently moved from Moss Vale, after living there since I was nine years old. Originally born in Wildes Meadow on a small acreage, where my dad had a market garden, which he tended to in between his job as a Brake examiner on the railway. Having two brothers a little older than myself, I was the typical spoilt baby sister.
If I could live anywhere, where would it be. I have been pondering this question for a few days, but I am not sure if a dessert island is the right response. Considering that’s probably not an achievable goal, so maybe a little log cabin up towards Adaminaby. I love the pristine, untouched rawness of the mountains, I love the crisp air and the flora and fauna that makes up the wilderness of the mountains.
How long have you been producing art?
I have been painting since I was 48 years old, (so around 15 years now) - darn I was trying not to tell you my age. It all started when I was wanting a painting that would reflect the pattern on my doona cover, so I bought a cheap canvas, a few brushes and some tubes of paint. I soon realised how relaxing and fun this was and went on to try my hand at painting a seascape, which I entered in the Moss Vale Show and won a prize. This really sparked my interest and after practising for countless hours and a lot of trial and error, also reading and watching reruns of Bob Ross, I picked up a few tips. I put the odd piece on my Facebook page and got quite a bit of interest, along with a few sales and so my journey began.
When did you consider yourself an artist?
That is a tough one, I don’t really think there was a moment and I am still not sure if I do consider myself an artist, I usually reply “I paint pictures” when asked what I do. I really don’t honestly know what qualifies one as an artist.
How do you describe your work?
I feel my work reflects the true Australian bush and rugged coast, I love this country, I love the sunburnt land, I love the jewelled sea, I love the rugged mountain ranges, (mmm seems to ring a bell). The earthy tones of the outback, I love the greens of the forests, and I would like to think I capture this in a true and realistic way in my paintings.
What is your favourite medium?
I work basically in acrylics; I am way to impatient to work in oils.
What inspires you as an artist?
My main inspiration is to better myself as an artist also the satisfaction of seeing something you have pictured in your mind come to life before your eyes. The relaxation I feel when I am painting. Hours pass and your mind is focused on painting and nothing else, you feel a sense of escapism from life. Music on and mind set.
Do you work alone or is art for you a social pursuit?
I work alone; I find painting for me is a personal thing. Although my family do give me a lot of constructive criticism, at times there is things I cannot see in my work that my husband or family pick up on, I do occasionally have trouble with my perspective, which they guide me in a solution. Is a painting ever truly finished is always my problem. I could fiddle with some of my work for days but there does come a point when you have to stop. Actually, some of my better works have been done fairly quickly.
Social media has changed the way people interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
Another hard question, I guess I would be unknown if it wasn’t for social media. I tend to be a rather shy and possibly modest person and wait to be asked rather than get out and push for something. I have been invited twice through social media to exhibit my work, which has been a thrill for me. So if you read this and have a gallery or want an exhibition of my work, I would me more than happy if you think my work is worthy.
If today Meryl had some advice for younger, aspiring artist Meryl, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to try, you could very well surprise yourself, get out there and have a go. People ask me where I learnt to paint, I am self-taught and learnt a lot by just doing. But most of all do it for yourself. Often, I get carried away trying to paint what I think somebody else would like or that I want to paint like one of the artists I admire. I have to stop and ground myself and step away and remember why I do what I do and that I have my own style, and that is for me not the accolades and praise (although that I appreciate very very much). I like to think that people get pleasure looking at my paintings and can relate to the scene and or find it to be calming and may even trigger a memory they have.
If you had some advice for people afraid of exhibiting their work or showing their work in public, what would it be?
Just do it, there is always going to be critics, but there is always going to be people who love it. As the old saying goes you can’t please all the people all the time. I also believe if you like your work and do it for yourself than that is what matters.
When you are not painting, how do you spend your time?
I like sleeping, lol. I read, I like doing crosswords and I love to cook and spend quality time with my family, but most of all I like getting away with my hubby in the caravan, we love free camping and places that are remote and quiet. We have one special camping spot up near Lake Eucumbene, which is especially peaceful, it’s where I like to go and really unwind and reset my mind.
Who is the artist you most admire?
Well, I have a couple of favourites, number one would have to be Albert Namajeera, I love the moody almost misty background in his paintings, I feel the true essence of the outback in each of his works. I also admire Pro Hart of course and Jack Absolome is another artist that appeals to me. We did a trip to South Australia in 2024 and one of the highlights of the trip was visiting the galleries around Broken Hill, they were truly inspiring and gave me a new sense of inspiration and a fresh outlook.
How can people appreciate your work?
If you would like to check out my work, you can follow my Face book page, Mezza Art or send me a friend request Meryl O’Brien on Facebook or on Instagram, Mezza_Art_SH
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
Bored.
· Do you know artist that you would like to see featured as The Southern Wire’s Artist of the Week. Email Stuart Carless at sc@thesouthernwire.com
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