Featured in Issue 37 of Art Edit Magazine 2023

I am thrilled to have been selected to feature in the latest issue of Art Edit Magazine alongside so many incredibly talented artists. 

The Art Edit has chosen to feature Marrunga Yubaa (Meaning Sweet Rain) - Reflections, which is available on my website as an original piece or as a print. 

The Sweet Rain series is designed to ignite imagination and celebrate life. It signifies a raindrop’s journey from the clouds to the earth and its importance to the land and our lives. The ancient, traditional Aboriginal symbol of rain is portrayed through my own contemporary artistic lens. I have designed the symbol to have a cup of delicately painted dots that surround just the bottom of each coloured stroke in a cascading effect. The colour of each drop applied in layers of fine art strokes, holds a special significance in my life story, as well as a visual memory of the beautiful Australian landscape through my eyes. The circular symbol, painted offset to the left of the canvas and formed by intricately painted dots, is representative in Aboriginal Culture of a Campsite; a special meeting place or place of rest.

Have you ever taken the time to reflect on your life and look back on moments of greatness? There is beauty in just about anything if you take the time to find it. Looking back on a rainy night, as the rain was falling down on the pavement, I could see a multitude of colours starting to form. The reflection of the street lights, highlighting the wet paved ground from where the rain had fallen, began to reveal glimpses of gold specks. This subtle beauty, I was blessed to see, brought emotions of happiness, happy to be alive and grateful to be witness to such simple beauty. It is these gentle reminders that come into my daily life that welcome a moment of reflection of the great times, a kind reminder to always choose grace when past pain arises.

As the colours blend, I celebrate all the things I am grateful for and to see in this world. The delicate cups of raindrops are celebrated by the gold dots to emphasise the importance of rain and that to many is liquid gold.

You can find issue 37 of Art Edit Magazine at your local newsagency. 

Lizzy x

Finding My Place - A collaboration with Materialised

As a proud Indigenous woman, I would first like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised.

I am so thrilled to announce the release of ‘Finding My Place’ with Materialised. My contemporary designs are a reflection of my life experiences and stories. They are a testament to the remarkable artistic skill that emerged from adversity. In 2017, I faced a stroke, and in 2018, I battled breast cancer. It was through art that I found healing, strength, and a renewed connection to my heritage.

Indigenous design is more than aesthetics; it is a vibrant medium through which I convey ancient wisdom, spiritual beliefs, and a deep reverence for the land. Every stroke, every color choice, and every symbol in my art carries a narrative that transcends time. It speaks to the profound interplay between humans and the environment, spirituality and community, and the sacred and the mundane.

One recurring symbol in my work is the ancient traditional Aboriginal symbol for rain. My 'Marrunga Yubaa (Sweet Rain),' 'Galimbang (Rain),' and 'Against The Elements' series all celebrate the powerful significance of rain. They represent not just rain but what rain brings – flowers, growth, water, feeling. They remind us to enjoy every moment it brings, even in the face of uncertainty.

Marrunga Yubaa (Sweet Rain) – wall vinyl and upholstery fabric from Materialised.

In 'Sweet Rain,' I designed the raindrop symbol to have delicate dots that surround the bottom of each colored stroke, cascading like a gentle shower. The colors in each drop signify a part of my life story, applied in layers of fine art strokes. They hold visual memories of the breathtaking Australian landscapes I've witnessed.

But how do these vibrant stories on canvas become the stunning furnishings you see over at Materialised? Let me take you behind the scenes of the design process.

The journey from canvas to fabric and wall covering is a fascinating one. Each design is carefully adapted by a dedicated team, allowing my art to grace diverse spaces – from commercial offices to healthcare facilities, restaurants, hotels, and education spaces.

Two key members of this transformation are Chloe Evans and Brigitte Marlot from the Design Team. They work tirelessly to ensure that my art maintains its essence while seamlessly transitioning into functional furnishings. Their attention to detail and commitment to preserving the heart of each piece is truly remarkable.

Marrunga Yubaa Sweet Rain Olive, upholstery fabric by Materialised.

My 'Finding My Place' collection isn't just art; it's a profound reflection of Indigenous identity, history, and resilience. Through my creations, I invite you to become stewards of the Earth, to appreciate the interconnectedness of life, and to honor traditions that hold deep meaning.

Whether you're drawn to my print collection, murals, or acoustic art, you can easily order my designs. Your journey into my world awaits – a world where culture, connection, and creativity intertwine.

To explore my artistry further, visit my originals and print pages on my website, and for an in-depth look at my designs and the meticulous process behind them, head to Materialised's blog post. 

Lizzy Stageman Celebrates Culture and Connection With New Collection

Design Development of Lizzy Stageman’s ‘Finding My Place’

You can view the print collection here

Mandaang Guwu (Thank you),

Lizzy

Commission for the Dubbo School of Rural Health

Geegal - Meaning Tree. Designed and developed as an original artwork for the Dubbo School of Rural Health. ​​​​​​​​​

As a proud Indigenous woman, I would first like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised. This story takes you on a journey of respect and gratitude for the knowledge we all have been fortunate to receive and will continue to receive.

In creating this artwork, I have based my story around the Geegal (The Tree) to represent strength and resilience foremost and the significance of its history and its many uses.

My artwork represents one of those uses, the Coolamon. In Aboriginal history, a Coolamon was made from the bark shell of a knot formed on a eucalyptus tree trunk. The inside of the eucalyptus tree knot was then burnt and smoothed with stone and shells to create a vessel mostly used by women to carry water, fruits, nuts, and cradle babies.

A Coolamon is not only used for various purposes but also exists to preserve and transfer knowledge to future generations.

My artwork has been designed to represent the tree from which the Coolamon is cut. I designed the artwork to form the shape of a Coolamon, which is like that of a canoe. The painting's colors are reminiscent of our lands, and the markings represent some true markings from significant Wiradjuri trees in our region. The knots and the roots of the tree are present in the center of the artwork and represent the anchor that holds us all together. The many layers signify the workings of our people and provide us with an understanding of where the Coolamon originated from and its importance. The fallen leaves represent new growth coming through, and the earthen-colored dots represent the Wiradjuri land we walk, work, and live on today.

The School of Rural Health, Dubbo, to me, is just that, a large Coolamon, that vessel that will continue to carry our young and the resources that are needed to feed them the knowledge to be used to be passed down for generations to come. In presenting this artwork, I wanted to bring the feeling of our country onto your walls as a sweet reminder of how fortunate we are to have the resources we have to continue to learn and grow.

Mandaang Guwu (Thank you),

Lizzy

Commission for Dubbo Christian School in celebration of their 40 years in operation

BINAAL – Meaning (All) in Wiradjuri Language. Designed and developed as an original artwork for Dubbo Christian School in celebration of their 40 years in operation.

As a proud Indigenous woman, I am always respectful of where I have come from. So before I share my story of the artwork, I would first like to pay my respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised.

This story takes you on a journey of respect and gratitude for the knowledge we all have been fortunate to receive, and will continue to receive. It is also a celebration of 40 years of teaching and of the many lives that have been changed forever.

I have chosen the Wiradjuri word meaning (ALL) as the title of the artwork because it reflects what Dubbo Christian School stands for. It signifies that regardless of who you are or the colour of your skin, you are ALL welcome to attend the school and receive the same valuable education.

I begin my story in the centre of the artwork, where you will see a large, gold circular symbol. This symbol in Aboriginal culture represents a meeting place, campsite or watering hole. This is where our people would stop to rest and replenish before continuing the journey ahead. You will see that the symbol has no end, meaning that you are always welcome. There is no end to the education that Dubbo Christian School provides to ALL.

Along the top of the painting, I have designed 40 gum leaves to not only represent the many gum trees that bring shade to the school, but also to tell a story of new growth. I have given each leaf different markings to symbolise a unique journey, with each leaf representing a year as it falls, different from the last.

Also represented alongside the gum leaves are 13 stars, shining bright to signify each year that students spend in the school from Kindergarten to Year 12.

It was important for Dubbo Christian School to display it’s three colours in the artwork, which they stand proudly by and look up to. These colours are represented strongly in the three rivers that Dubbo is known for and are the focal point of the artwork. As the rivers flow across the painting, so does the special Welcome to Country message given to me by Roz Yates, a well-respected local Aboriginal woman and long-serving staff member of the school. The Welcome to Country message has been highlighted in gold to signify its importance to everyone.

Along the banks of the three rivers, you will see the 'n' and 'I' symbol. These symbols in Aboriginal culture stand as the symbol of a man and a woman. These symbols represent the many children that will become adults, as well as the teaching staff that will guide you through your journey. I have purposely painted these symbols in a neutral colour to reveal that we are all equal.

As you are guided through the artwork, you will see that I have added traveling symbols and kangaroo tracks at the bottom of my work. These tracks represent the many kangaroos that are frequent morning visitors to the school and onlookers for the journey our children take throughout the school.

Displayed in the foreground of the artwork are many coloured dots. These dots represent the many footsteps the children will take throughout their school lives. The colours I have chosen, starting from the top with shades of blue, represent the Holy Spirit colours for Understanding and Wisdom and make up the night sky that falls over the school. The colours continue to blend into shades of red, orange, and yellow, representing the beautiful colours of the sunrise and sunset every day. The colours then transition into earthen tones, which represent the many colours of our country and remind us that no matter where we are, we are always on Aboriginal land.

Another important colour used throughout the artwork is gold. I have applied gold to special parts of the artwork to signify the feeling of richness. A strong colour to reveal that we are all rich in God’s eyes and that we are all deserving to receive a good education. These are the golden years of our lives.

I am proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity to share my story and celebrate the 40th anniversary of this incredible school.

May this artwork always hang proudly as a reminder of how far the school has come.

Mandaang Guwu – Thank you.

Lizzy

Highlights from the launch of Tappeti’s Indigenous Collection

’It was an incredibly warm day in Sydney, and it set the scene for an open-air-style open day to launch one of Tappeti’s latest rug collections. Its Lane Cove location provided a generous backdrop against which to hero the vibrant and colourful rugs, each a carefully produced rendition of a stunning original artwork by four talented First Nations artists.

For this collection Tappeti has worked with artists Davinder Hart, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Stageman, Khatija (Khat) Possum, and Cara Shields.

For Lizzy, art acts as a vessel – to celebrate and teach culture, and to tell stories using an inherited language of symbols that she is nevertheless able to reinterpret through her own personal and contemporary lens.’ - Alice Blackwood

Read the full article here.

Lizzy Stageman Art x Tappeti Collaboration

I am pleased to share that I have collaborated with Tappeti Fine Handcrafted Rugs & Carpets as a part of their new Indigenous collection.

The collection translates my original artworks into three-dimensional luxury rugs using the finest materials such as wool and silk.

The collection is:

• Available in various qualities and manufacturing options including hand-tufting and hand-knotting.

• 100% New Zealand wool or 100% wool with various fibres like silk or viscose.

• Suitable for residential and commercial applications.

• Available in various textures such cut pile, loop pile and mixture of yarns.

• If required, the design can be customised regarding shape, size and colour.

You can make a product enquiry by selecting the ‘contact our studio’ button within each product listing on Tappeti’s website.

Lizzy

Photography by Nick Delorenzo Photo
Furniture from HG Furniture Solutions

Featured in The World of Interiors December 2022

It was such a privilege to be showcased in the art edit of The World of Interiors December 2022 edition (my Galingabangbur - Children piece can be found at number 21).

In this painting you will see three large ∩shapes, these symbols in aboriginal culture represent individuals. My journey is expressed in this artwork with those three symbols depicted with strong lines representing my three children standing proud, strong and united while the rounded edges depict their softness and caring souls. You will also see dominant symbols that represent fire, water and smoke while the vast array of intricate small dots filling the background of the painting portray the many footsteps I have taken and will continue to do for my children, guiding them on their life path.

As, a mother I will do anything for my children, I have represented that in the foreground with earth toned mountains I would move, the waves I will help them conquer through the heaviest of seas and the fire to walk-through. Lastly, the three round symbols floating above represent the sun that shines brightly for each of my children, as they shine forever in my heart.

Galingabangbur - Children is available as a limited edition digital print produced on un-stretched canvas via The Block Shop.

Lizzy x

Featured in House & Garden December 2022

It is such a privilege to be showcased in the worldwide art edit of UK House and Garden’s December edition (my Marrunga Yubaa - Sweet Rain piece can be found at number 51).

Have you ever taken the time to see the rain falling in all its beauty, to imagine it’s journey from the clouds to the earth? The beautiful colours that I have explored in Marrunga Yubaa - Sweet Rain are reflective of this. From the deep dark blues when the rain begins to fall, through to the lighter colours as it passes through and falls on Country. The long shaped symbols represent the large droplets that are full and ready to burst as they cascade down to their resting place on our lands, filling our rivers and dams. This beautiful life source that we sometimes take for granted but cannot live without.

As I continue on my journey I give thanks to the rain, as a sweet reminder of all the important things I cannot live without.

Marrunga Yubaa - Sweet Rain is available as a limited edition digital print produced on un-stretched canvas via The Block Shop.

Lizzy x

Featured in House & Garden November 2022

I am honoured to be showcased once again on a global scale in the art edit of UK House and Garden’s November edition (my work can be found at number 51).

This painting, Nganhayung (Meaning Ourselves) is significant in my journey, of finding my place and growing. In recognition of the importance in being ourselves, this story is inspired by the quote “To be yourself in a world that is trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Ourselves is available as an original acrylic on canvas as well as a digital print produced on cotton rag paper or un-stretched canvas in a variety of sizes.

Lizzy x

Featured in The World of Interiors November 2022

I am honoured to be showcased once again on a global scale in the art edit of The World of Interiors November edition (my work can be found at number 15).

This piece titled Dyiraany (Meaning Mountain/Hill in Wiradjuri) is from my collaboration with Sonnie Scrubs for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).

Dyiraany Original will be auctioned at a later date and I am pleased to share that all proceeds from the sale will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Lizzy x

Commission Update

I am pleased to announce that I will begin to contact those that have made commission requests for 2023.

If you have not made an enquiry you can here.

Please note that commission pieces are subject to my availability and resources.

To make the most out of your artistic vision it is important that I feel I am a good fit for your project.

I am a self taught artist with a story to tell. I am inspired by anyone who finds their place. Each commission I take on is a spiritual process where your story becomes a part of mine. I will get back to everyone as soon as I can.

Thank you for your understanding.

Lizzy

NSW Health Aboriginal Health and Well-being Project - You’re Not Alone

Today I presented my commission - You’re Not Alone to NSW Health.

I pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging. I acknowledge the traditional owners of this land on which I was born and raised.

When creating this piece choosing the title, “You’re Not Alone” came first to represent the intention of this piece and to assure you that you are not alone in your mental wellbeing journey. The story in the artwork has a unique depth of meaning, expressed through colours and traditional symbols through my own artistic lens. The vital message in the piece is extended to all individuals, family, community, and health workers, support is around you even if you feel it is not. It may be family, friends, community, or NSW Health Aboriginal mental health staff, tell someone.

The artwork begins in the centre. The focal point is a dominant ∩ shape, it’s a single individual, you, a warrior. It is centred and armed with a shield and spears, preparing for battle. It’s in my contemporary style of black and white which in my art, represents cultures coming together. Surrounding the individual is the importance of connection and coming together, it’s a double circle of more armed individuals that surround you. They can share knowledge, spiritual connection, healing and help with you or your family, whatever it takes. This circle is a close-knit community, ready to also help themselves and each other in their own battles.

Still in the circles look closely, there is a single fine line in red in between every second individual. It is the “blood line”, for me it means family and inclusiveness of the community, the Aboriginal health’s workforce, the Aboriginal Health sectors and all the NSW Nations. I have purposefully made the individuals unique with traditional cross hatching in a different pattern on each, though uniquely individual, the internal cross-hatching tethers all of them. We are all different, but we are all the same, collectively. Mental health does not discriminate, it can affect any of us in different ways. Outside the double circle there are many individuals they’re across all areas representing more workers and community in tonal shades of ochre on country and aqua to the coast, support isn’t far away.

The colour scheme acknowledges the traditional lands, my innovative style of storytelling incorporates textures to form a foundation. To the top right, earthen tones highlight the value of community. Bold burnt brown umber, white and ochre yellow form the bent not broken four large circular resting place symbols at each corner of the artwork. Earthen tones meet with ocean blues to highlight the land meeting the sea representing connection and place. There are prominent travel symbols throughout with smaller campsites and many small dots that represent the footsteps you will take, as will others on your journey. The hardest battles to fight are the ones you fight alone.

Please reach out.

Lizzy

Featured on The Block 2022 in Scotty Cam’s Hallway

Marrunga Yubaa (On The Ranges)

Very grateful to feature in Scotty Cam‘s collection of amazing art on The Block last night.

On The Ranges is available to purchase through The Block Shop.

Lizzy x

Photography by David Cook

Featured in The World of Interiors October 2022

I am honoured to be showcased for the second time on a global scale. This time in the latest edition of The World of Interiors (my work can be found at number 42).

This piece is titled Marrunga Yubaa - Dancing In The Rain.

Marrunga Yubaa - Dancing In The Rain is available as an original oil on canvas. If you're interested in securing this piece, please email info@lizzystagemanart.com.au
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Prints are available in a variety of sizes. Shop here.

Lizzy x

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Sonnie Scrubs

I had the honour of designing an artwork for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in collaboration with Sonnie Scrubs.

Launching on 1 October, Sonnie Scrubs will kindly donate $25 of every scrub with this artwork to the charity of my choice. I chose the lovely ladies at Pink Angels Inc. The original artwork will be auctioned at a later date, with all proceeds going to the Make A Wish Foundation.

The artwork I designed is named Dyiraany – Meaning Mountain/Hill in Wiradjuri:

We set out on the journey of life with the hope it will be a positive experience, however many moments are already mapped out for us. From our perspective these moments present themselves in the blink of an eye, forcing us to face unbelievable and unforeseen challenges. This painting tells a story of these very challenges that occur, sometimes more than once, making the journey to finding our place a little bit harder but ultimately stronger. 

The large mountain symbols that feature in the painting depict the many obstacles that one may need to overcome in their life. Threaded through the mountains, amongst the rolling hills there are watering hole symbols. These ancient symbols in Aboriginal language depict a place of rest. An opportunity to revitalise to continue on the journey of life ahead. Throughout the painting there are also long connected travelling symbols. These represent the winding roads in life and the trail of intricately painted dots depicts one’s feet moving onward. 

Having been through my own battles in life, I have had many mountains to climb. I feel that I am as strong as the mountains I have conquered.

I would like to share a quote by Vanessa Gendoma – “The best view comes after the hardest climbs.”

Lizzy x

A Special Day at the Women’s Drug and Alcohol Centre in Wyong

On Tuesday the 13th of September I was invited to run a painting workshop at the Women’s Drug and Alcohol Centre in Wyong.

The day consisted of yarning around the table as each of the ladies shared their story. I then shared my story with them, the reason I am here today and how art has helped me heal.

I asked the ladies to take their canvas and paint what was in their heart to express how they were feeling. I guided them with the rest.

Immediately they started mixing their paints, like the spirits were guiding them to share their stories. As I watched, I could see that the ladies were at peace. At times there were no words spoken. There was complete silence in the room. I asked one of the ladies how she felt at that moment and she replied with “I have been taken to a different place.” She was happy.

The artwork the ladies created was so heartfelt and raw. True emotions were released onto each of the canvases.

The time just flew as we yarned, laughed and cried. It was truly a beautiful day.

I feel blessed that I was able to be a part of this day and to take so much away with me.

A piece that inspired the ladies on this day was Gunhinharrung (Grandmother).

Lizzy x

Featured in House & Garden October 2022

I am so honoured to be showcased on a global scale in the art edit of UK House and Garden’s latest edition (my work can be found at number 55).

This piece is titled Yalul - (Meaning Always). Yalul is a two part original series, painted in contemporary-modern, monochromatic style, through my own artistic lens. I have taken this artwork over two canvases in a way to tell a story of loved ones parted by sea…

The availability of this piece and it’s full story is coming soon. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Lizzy x

Featured on The Block 2022

I am grateful to have featured in this beautiful bathroom by Ankur and Sharon on the The Block.

“The judges were excited to spot an original Lizzy Stageman artwork tucked into the corner,” - The Block 2022: Bathroom Reveal.

Finding My Place is available to purchase through The Block Shop.

Lizzy x

Photography by David Cook

Unstretched Canvas vs. Rag Paper Prints

Unstretched Canvas

My canvas prints are printed on breathing colour lyve canvas – 450 gsm. This beautiful canvas provides the most true to colour replication of my work and provides ultimate longevity.

Canvas prints come unstretched, this means that they will need to be professionally stretched onto a timber stretch bar. For best results to give the feel and look of the original, I suggest framing my canvas prints in a floating timber frame.

Rag Paper

My rag paper prints are printed on premium quality photo rag paper – 310 gsm . Made from 100% cotton.

Photo rag has a beautiful smooth, matte finish perfect for artwork and is best displayed behind a glass frame, colour of choice. For display I suggest mounting with a cardboard border.

Shop prints here.

2022 NAIDOC Week - Stroke Foundation Australia

As a part of NAIDOC Week 2022, I sat down and shared my story with the Stroke Foundation, in an effort to raise awareness and help others in the community.

In February 2017 I was at work, reading the paper and eating my morning tea when all of a sudden I was in excruciating pain. I was taken to hospital and had multiple scans. it was eventually revealed that I had a Transient Ischaemic Attack, or TIA, which is commonly referred to as a mini stroke and can be a warning that you may have a stroke in the future. While I still experience memory loss, I had a good physical recovery. The experience has been emotionally challenging, however art has played a major role in my healing process.

My children prompted me to pick up a paintbrush. They said,‘ go and paint, mum. Be happy’. So, I did and it’s helped me heal in so many ways and has taught me not to hold on to anger and just appreciate every day. Painting takes me out of that dark place, and it gives me something to look forward to.

I would encourage people to know the signs so you can get medical treatment immediately and to listen to your body. Don’t ignore the signs.

View the full story here.