Featured Artist: Lisa Jayne Murray
Australian illustrator and graphic designer, Lisa Jayne Murray, creates whimsically fun designs and patterns. Embracing the nostalgic, Lisa’s illustrations are infused with a touch of retro-inspiration.
Featured Artist Lisa Jayne Murray
"Nothing I do is going to bring down a government, inspire a political movement or capture the human condition but if I can brighten a dull corner and make someone happy just for a moment...that’s a role I’m happy to play."
Where is home?
Well, I currently live in the Bayside region of Melbourne but home is wherever my husband and children are.
What is your creative weapon of choice?
My hardworking little laptop.
Please describe your work in 7 words or less
Colourful, fun, retro-inspired, eclectic
What role do you feel artists have in society?
I think there are varying roles depending on what kind of artist you are. Nothing I do is going to bring down a government, inspire a political movement or capture the human condition but if I can brighten a dull corner and make someone happy just for a moment… that’s a role I’m happy to play.
"I never really had a definite career path planned, art and design had always been “my thing” as for the growing up….. I’m still avoiding that at all costs."
"MCM Petunia Blue" throw pillow
Please share the story behind your favorite artwork on Redbubble.
Usually, my favourite design is the latest one. It’s fresh and exciting but I do have a soft spot for MCM Petunia Blue. It combines the essence of my style. Bright colours, bold shapes based on nature in varying opacities creating new elements when overlapped.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really had a definite career path planned, art and design had always been “my thing” as for the growing up….. I’m still avoiding that at all costs.
What is your dream project?
Basically, I want to be Australia’s answer to Orla Kiely. Designing a small capsule collection each year inspired by nature, my love of retro and Scandinavian design.
What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve learned while creating a successful art career? What advice would you love to have told yourself five or ten years ago?
Self-belief, although that is something I still struggle with so I’m not sure I would have been very convincing to my younger self.
If you weren’t making art, what do you think you would you be doing now?
I have a love of books and history so probably working in a library or museum sounds good to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an artist?
Keep all your ideas. Throw nothing away. Some ideas just need a bit of time to brew. If something is not working now… give it some space. I go back to sketches or doodles from years ago that suddenly take on a new life.
Is there anything you’d like to share with us that I didn’t ask (Pets? Favorite books? Someone who inspires you? Superstitions? Quirks?)
Pets – Dust Bunnies
Favourite Books – MC Beaton, Agatha Christie, Tom Sharpe, Bill Bryson
Inspiration – Illustrators Jane Foster & Helen Dardik who do what they do well and have made it into a successful business, 1950’s Scandinavian textile designers and the artist Shag (Josh Agle) for his bravely brilliant colour combinations.
Quirks – I prefer things in 3’s. Wall hangings, cushions on a couch, ornament groupings, glasses of wine
"MCM Brighton" studio pouch
Stop by Lisa Jayne Murray’s shop to support an independent artist and add some retro-inspired designs to your space.
