Well-known Weipa artist Lisa Scharf says she is both nervous and excited ahead of her first solo exhibition. Photo: Supplied.
Nature through the eyes of Weipa’s Lisa Scharf will be on display in her own backyard and in Cooktown when the artist’s first solo exhibition opens on 31 May.
Titled Nature’s Resonance, the exhibition will feature multiple mediums of art which explore Ms Scharf’s connection to the environment around her.
“I think connecting to where I’m living is really important, because I have moved around a lot,” the artist said.
“I’ve been [in Weipa] for four years; I’ve lived extensively around Australia, so it’s important for me to connect and belong, and I do that through creating and making art.”
She is well known in the community through her business Get Your Art On Weipa, where she facilitates paint and sip workshops.
Alongside paintings, she will also display her ceramic and weaving work, which combine to showcase the beauty of the western Cape York township.
“My work is becoming quite feminine; I’m finding the femininity and softness in the landscape, because it can be quite harsh,” the artist explained.
“I hope that people who come will get their own sense of connection to the beauty of Weipa as well.”
Ms Scharf said a solo exhibition had been a goal for many years as a full-time artist.
With a grant from Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North and Cook Shire Council, and support from regional arts officer Waratah Nicholls, Ms Scharf’s dream has finally become a reality.
More than half of the tickets for the Weipa opening night have been sold, with the supplementary ceramics workshop already sold out.
Ms Scharf will also showcase her work in Cooktown at Nature’s Powerhouse Botanical Gardens.
“I am nervous to put myself out there, but the community has been amazing in their support of me,” Ms Scharf said.
“I’m a self-taught artist, so there’s been lots of learning, but I feel like now is the right time.”
Nature’s Resonance will be open in Weipa at the Kumrumja Centre on 31 May from 6pm and 1 June from 8:30am-2pm.
It will also open in Cooktown at Nature’s Powerhouse on 3 June, with a workshop available on 13 July.
