‘Express your story’ – Lisa Waup

Lisa Waup is an award winning multi-disciplinary artist, curator and mother.

Some of her creations are part of Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion, a major exhibition of Indigenous Australian fashion currently on display at the National Museum of Australia.

She lives and works in Naarm (Melbourne) and is of Italian, Gunditjmara and Torres Strait Islander descent.

She has collaborated with Melbourne fashion designer Ingrid Verner since 2017 and together they formed ‘LISA WAUP X VERNER’.

‘Looking back over my life I have always been creating in one way shape or form, I have always loved to draw and create patterns,’ Lisa said.

‘For the last ten years I have had a more focused vision on my practice. My children are getting older also so I feel I have a little more freedom to concentrate on making.’

Like every good artist, her creations tell a story; a story conceived across generations, one of respect and connection to Country and family.

‘My Italian connections have had a huge impact on my life,’ she said.

‘Italians in general are very family orientated people; both my mum and Nonna have dedicated their lives to their families. I honestly would not be where I am without the support from my mum.’

‘A huge part of my practice is focused on my connections to family, how important this is for me. For me, being a part of this family has given me a huge sense of who I am – I have learnt unconditional love from my dear mum and dad, and what that truly means.’

‘This I feel has filtered into my own making, wearing my heart on my sleeve at times too. I have received an empathetic compassion, which I am able to pull apart my story to express elements that make me who I am.’

Again, like every good artist, Lisa has advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps.

‘I think it is really important to express your story – it is unique to anyone else’s story,’ Lisa said.

‘As for fashion I believe ‘slow fashion’ is the key – creating limited editions, as I link them closely to a work of art – body art/ body adornment. We don’t want to add to further destruction of the environment. Make what is enough and don’t leave a deep footprint stain on Country.’

‘We are not here to recreate what has already been created in the fashion industry. It is about leaving our positive voice, creating something fresh and different as only First Nations people can do.’