MLAK (Karlee Mackie) Always the artist, was “ born with crayons in her hands “ so to speak.  

Karlee is an artist based in Byron Bay NSW. The artist approaches painting organically,  adapting and evolving to create work that plays with motif in space. Dynamic, youthful and fun, MLAK translates across scale, articulating in an original voice.

MLAK has had the opportunity to assist the extremely talented Angus McDonald, an Australian contemporary visual artist, refugee advocate, columnist, and documentary filmmaker.  He continues to be a mentor to her, for her career and life. 

Surfing all around the world, she started to paint her fellow athletes’ surfboards on the world qualifying tour, which led to collaborating with International brands.

Her first trip to NYC to film a surf film for the Brand Globe, was one that marked the beginning of the notion, you can create a life being an Artist. 

A naive 20 yr old, MLAK was luckily exposed to a life changing situation. When she was recommended to watch the 1996 Indy film by Julian Schnabel “ Basquiat “ on the artist Jean Michel Basquiat. As the next day they planned to catch the train to Rockaway Beach to surf with Julian and his son Vito Schnabel, Thom Sachs and Pat Conlon.  Jamie Brisick an American writer, photographer, and filmmaker and then wife Gisela Mata a filmmaker opened her mind to a whole new dream.  The experience of meeting Julian, watching the film and seeing Damien Hurst show was enough to ignite a fire within.

MLAK’s talent is versatile and recognised. In addition to her visual artworks, she has lent her skills to international brands and notable families alike.