Check out our interview with Australian artist, Lisa Harris (@lisaharrisartau)! She tells us all about her art journey, from advice for beginners to her experience creating with ADHD. There’s so much to learn and be inspired by, so read on to find out more. 

What would you say to a beginner artist who might be a little scared to take the leap into creativity?

Follow your heart, don’t overthink it, grab some supplies, and have a go. You don’t need to have every colour to paint or the perfect canvas. Just have a go and see how it feels.

Where do you find your creative inspiration for a piece?

Sometimes I will see something like a colour or scene and my brain just has to create something based on that. Other times I just sit down and see what my brain decides it wants to create.

How did you discover your inner artist? Was it a gradual process or a surprise discovery?

I have always been very creative, back at school my favourite part was making title pages for my subjects. I, like a lot of people, suppressed my creative side to go and get “a real job”. I lost my job back in October 2019, a career choice that did not align with my values. Then I had an issue occur with my eye that resulted in me being diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Punctate Inner Choroidopathy.

Having suffered pretty bad burnout years earlier and now another health issue, I decided it was time to do things I enjoy instead of what society expected of me. I was also diagnosed with ADHD at the ripe old age of 41 – turns out there was a reason for my creative brain.

What’s something that you’re proud of, that you don’t often get to talk about?

Previously, I think I would have spoken about my career in Health and Safety. But now I can safely say that it’s surviving 41 years with undiagnosed ADHD and now being able to share my knowledge with others about this condition that is so often missed in women.

Who are your creative cheerleaders?

Friends and family. I’ve met some amazing artists and creatives through markets, both in Melbourne and now on the Gold Coast. They really have kept me going when I have felt defeated and wanted to give up creating.

What would your dream creative space look like?

It would be big and clean (my space is small and chaotic), with all my supplies organised so that I could just create whenever I felt like it without having to move things out of the way to just get started. Also, it would need to be airconditioned – this Queensland heat can be brutal.

What' s your guilty pleasure?

Binge-watching TV – crime shows, documentaries, and really trashy reality TV (Real Housewives etc).

Aside from art, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

I love travelling and exploring. I’ve been to 40 or so countries and have travelled through a bit of Australia. I can’t get enough, and if I was a rich artist, I would spend my money on travelling. Instead, I’m a broke artist who spends all her money on art supplies that I may or may not use.

Do you like to plan a creative project or jump right in?

I would love to be one of those artists who plans a project and then has it turn out how I envisioned. I am not! Since being diagnosed with ADHD I have leaned into working with my brain instead of against it, so when it says create, we start creating and see what comes out.

Do you have any tips on how to improve at art?

Don’t give up, keep trying. Find what works for you. Like most things, if it has to be forced it’s just not worth it.

If you feel inspired by Lisa and her approach to creating, why not try making something at home? #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook to show us what you come up with.

See more about @lisaharrisartau by checking out our gallery, where her art journey is featured! Stock up on art supplies like Acrylic Paints, Canvases, and Brushes so you can get creating like Lisa!

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