Carmel was born in Sydney, Australia. She is a visual artist working from Scratch Studios in Marrickville. Byrne has exhibited nationally and internationally. Exhibition highlights were selection for the Portia Geach Memorial Award, the Dobell Drawing Prize, and the Blake Prize and touring exhibition. She's currently a candidate for a Masters in Fine Art at the College of Fine Art, University of NSW, Sydney. She was awarded an APA scholarship for her two years of study.