Painting has never been separate from life for artist Jennifer Lia. It’s the thread that runs through every version of her. Jennifer’s work is a study in atmospheric abstract art.
The layered, emotive canvases draw on memory, landscape and feeling, rather than anything literal. Let’s discover more.
Icebergs — the artwork that launched Jennifer Lia’s career
Creativity was never a question for Jennifer, just a constant.
“I’ve always been creative. Even in high school, my first job was selling my paintings and clothes I made at Bondi Markets every Sunday,” says Jennifer. “At school my books were covered in sketches and I always knew that I would end up on a creative path.
“I would describe my style as abstract, calming and atmospheric, drawing from memory, landscape and emotion.
“I mainly use acrylics and oils but have recently been using mixed media, paper and textured mediums, to create levels of depth and patina.
My style is driven by the inference of a landscape and the intersection of dreams, memory and story-telling.
“We lived right on Manly beach for many years and that directly inspired my coastal works. Now in our new space, I’ve been greatly inspired by the cathedral-like industrial space of our studio and the juxtaposition of the polished concrete, oversized windows and greenery that we look out onto.”
Her creative process is built purely on intuition.
“I share my studio with my husband, Hayden James. He is a music producer and has his recording studio set up on one side, with my canvases on the other. We share the space and bounce ideas off each other,” smiles Jennifer.
“I work really intuitively, and have been leaning into a Matisse inspired paper collage style to inform shapes and notions of landscapes. Upon building layers, I will step back, turn the canvas around and go back in with more layers.
“My current collection is all about warmth, balance and a nod to memories and nostalgia through abstraction.
“Icebergs is also very special to me. It was the piece that launched my career. The simplicity and restraint in it is something I am really proud of.”
Her atmospheric abstract art is shaped by memory as much as landscape.
“I always strive to instil a sense of calm and joy in every piece I paint. Because that is what I feel when I’m painting,” Jennifer says.
“My practice is such a privilege and source of happiness and mediation. I truly hope this transcends to the viewer and brings those feelings into their home.
“I love creating large scale pieces. Go big or go home! A large painting really speaks volumes and commands a space.”
Her gorgeous artworks have been popping up all across the globe.
“You’ll spy one of my artworks in Aussie Pub ‘Old Mates‘ in NYC. It brings a touch of iconic Australiana to the streets of New York City,” she says with a smile.
“Also in Bluestone Lane in LA — my family and I lived in LA in 2023. I also have a large original work that I donated to the NICU at Royal North Shore Hospital. Both our babies spent many months there when they were first born, so this artwork is very close to my heart and one that I am incredibly proud of.”
What a treat it was to discover Jennifer’s beautiful atmospheric abstract art. We loved getting a glimpse behind the scenes and can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for this talented artist.
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Hi, I'm Gina
I'm an interior designer, stylist and founder of Style Curator. For over 12 years, I've been helping Australians create beautiful homes with practical renovation advice, affordable styling ideas, DIY projects and carefully chosen products I'd happily use in my own home.
