Prominent Townsville artist makes waves in 2024 Queensland Regional Art Awards
A prominent figure in the Townsville contemporary art scene, has once again turned heads in the Queensland Regional Art Awards, building on the success of her recent solo exhibition. See why.
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Lisa Ashcroft, a prominent figure in the Townsville contemporary art scene, has once again made waves as a finalist in the 2024 Queensland Regional Art Awards, building on the success of her recent solo exhibition.
The entered work title “Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost too” responds to the theme for the art awards: Resolution.
Artists and society as a whole grapple and confront multiple viewpoints and concepts requiring resolution.
Through the creative process, artists take this voyage through differing personal and social lenses to reach a meaningful resolution in their work.
This reflects and is relevant to the broader journey of society.
Last year Lisa had a watercolour portrait of her deceased father in the QRAA finals “Dad’s Dementia”.
Lisa moved to Townsville in 2011 and works from her eclectic home studio, where she created the piece entered in this year’s QRAA Awards.
The artwork features a series of small, icon-like paintings, each symbolising pivotal moments in her life — some joyful, others marked by trauma.
Elements from as far back as 25 years have been deconstructed and reimagined, weaving a visual narrative of transformation.
The result is an intimate, open book of her life, capturing the depth and evolution of her personal journey.
Hand stitching is central to the process, each stitch is cathartic and symbolises mending the fragmented parts of her life, embodying the slow, evolving journey towards healing, authenticity, and clarity.
“The sickly glittering veneer hides societal commentary on the human condition, prompting viewers to question their own morality”.
Lisa’s kitsch work appears at first glance as whimsical reveals itself upon closer inspection to be a poignant commentary on the complexities of the human condition, prompting us to question our own morality and confront uncomfortable realities.
“It’s been an incredible journey. When I first started, I was very focused on experimenting with materials and finding my voice,” Ashcroft said.
“Over the years, my work has grown in depth, largely because I’ve become more in tune with my own experiences and the world around me. I’ve shifted from purely abstract expressions to more narrative-driven pieces. The themes of my work now reflect my growth as an individual — exploring identity, memory, and the environment. Thirty-three years of studio practice have taught me patience, resilience, and how to trust the creative process, even when things feel uncertain’.”
Lisa hopes her work resonates with people on a personal level.
“If someone sees a piece and it stirs something in them — whether it’s a memory, a question or touches a nerve, or an emotion — then I feel I’ve succeeded. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that the meaning of my work isn’t fixed; it’s shaped by the viewer’s experience. “Ultimately, I want my art to create connections, whether it’s between people, or between the viewer and the world we live in. I aim to spark subversive conversations on taboo topics that challenges the norm”.
Lisa is an invited artist at the Perc Tucker for November’s show “Yucky Yum Yum”.
She will be showing four kitsch pieces as part of this dynamic exhibition.
She also has a solo show at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in 2025 (Neon Coral Clusters) where 15 of her oil on canvas paintings will be on display.
Following on from Lisa’s recent artistic success as an artist in residence at Mackay Artspace and her entry into this year’s Percival Portrait Awards, she will have a range of work on show this November for the 46th Hinchinbrook Art Awards in Ingham and will run her last 2024 kitsch sculptural workshop in November from her home studio.
Winners of the Queensland Regional Arts Awards will be announced December 7.
Originally published as Prominent Townsville artist makes waves in 2024 Queensland Regional Art Awards
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