Behind the Canvas with Lani and Zara
Meet Lani and Zara ~ mother and daughter, Obus lovers and the creative duo behind Aurora Art.
Inspired by motherhood and influenced by their diverse Australian and Papua New Guinean heritage, we get to know the women behind these stunning artworks.
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Tell us about your journey to launch Aurora Art?
Being Mother & Daughter, we are very close & have always dreamt of working together in our own small business. We have always created artwork for our own home, family and friends.
The timing seemed right last year and we decided to take a leap of faith and commence working full time on Aurora Art. Zara (my daughter) was getting closer to finishing her Fine Arts degree and I (Lani) had recently had my fifth baby and decided not to return to teaching. We were very grateful to be able to work on over 100 paintings last year and also launch our prints. We are excited for what the future holds!
How does cultural values influence your art?
We are from a diverse cultural background and we are definitely influenced by our culture. My Mum is from a small PNG island in the Torres Strait and growing up she spent some time living in Papua New Guinea.
What kind of projects have you worked on recently? What was the most rewarding?
The launch of our fine art prints and being invited to be stocked on the BlockShop were recent highlights for us. We have been very humbled that people have embraced our art.
How has Covid-19 changed the way you work, and how have you adapted to these challenges?
We were in a lockdown in Melbourne for a lot of 2020, which meant that we were able to set up our home studio. We have a gallery in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne which is open by appointment, however, we have since been able to work predominantly from home and focus on online as a result of Covid-19.
What 3 words would you use to describe your personal style?
Colourful, eclectic & feminine.
What are you currently reading?
Becoming by Michelle Obama
How do you incorporate sustainability into your everyday?
In our home we love up cycling and making over old furniture. Within Aurora Art we only create our prints when an order is placed so there is no wastage. Our suppliers are local small businesses & we physically collect our framing and prints from them every week, so that unnecessary packaging can be avoided.
Name 3 empowering females you'd love to have dinner with & why?
We would love to have dinner with Oprah, Michelle Obama & Alicia Keys. All three women are strong black women making a difference in our world. 🙌🏽
What brings you joy - big or small?
Family is our biggest joy. Being a big family there is always lots of noise, laughter & joy!
ABOUT LANI AND ZARA
Lani is the founder and owner of Aurora Art. She holds degrees in Business (Marketing) and Education, and is a Director of various companies.
Zara is completing a Bachelor in Fine Arts and as a professionally trained artist, her work has been exhibited at Melbourne Museum and various galleries across Australia.
You can purchase their work at www.auroraart.com.au and follow them on Instagram at @aurora.art.co.
Zara wears Balance Wrap Skirt and Balance Blouse. Lani wears Balance Smock Dress.