Who are you? What do you do, and why do you do it?
I'm Lisa Jones, and I'm primarily a watercolourist who also dabbles with acrylic and makes collages by upcycling used teabags. I enjoy painting because it makes me happy and content, and I love the feeling of accomplishment after I've finished a piece. Additionally, I love to transform something that is essentially rubbish into a beautiful work of art!
How has your practice changed over time?
My watercolours have evolved as I've discovered a love for painting botanicals. I enjoy layering colours and seeing the different ways that they react. My teabag art is forever changing as I experiment with new ways of using the bags, strings and even tea leaves. I love seeing and being inspired by other works of art, adapting them into my style, which allows me to improve and develop my skills and range.
What themes do you pursue?
I've done a few large acrylic pieces that I would class as abstract landscapes. I enjoy experimenting with bold colours and lines.
What's your scariest art experience?
Other than finally believing in myself that I am an artist, not a crafter or someone who just dabbles? Setting up an online presence, albeit a small one via Etsy. Small steps…
If you have one, what's your favourite artwork?
My favourite piece would probably be this teabag collage piece I did last year – I love Australian native flowers (and yes, I know, proteas aren't natives, but they're faves nevertheless!).
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I've worked in banking all of my adult life! I'm a home lender with Bendigo Bank and love helping people get their new home or investment property. Working in a Community Bank, we also get immense satisfaction from giving money back to our communities by way of grants and sponsorships.
Why is art important in today's society?
Art is an outlet for so many: as creators, we can pour our feelings into our art, and as viewers, art can soothe, uplift, and make us warm inside. Art has been essential in the last year by bringing light into our lives. Colour is life.
Is your artistic life lonely, or do you find living as an artist to be lonely?
No, I don't find it lonely at all. MAVA is a great community, and I've found it invaluable.
What do you dislike about the art world?
I'm always perplexed by how some artist statements are written; I don't find them inclusive and feel that they're too full of jargon and pompous ideologies. Just tell me what inspired you to do this piece.
What's the best piece of advice you've received?
Keep creating what you love, and you'll get better at it over time. Even the Masters had to start somewhere!
Professionally, what's your art goal?
Simply to get my art out to a broader audience. I love creating, and if other peeps get joy from my art, that's fantastic!
Do you have a favourite art tool, and if so, what is it and why?
Liquitex matte gel medium! Perfect for gluing down teabags and other collage elements, and also for sealing works.
Visit Lisa's Artists Directory click here .