Born in Sydney, Australia, Lisa moved to the Central Coast at age one, growing up alongside a nature reserve. Living so close to the bush, she experienced Nature’s intelligence and magic first-hand.

When Lisa wasn’t exploring outside, she had her head buried in a book. Reading myths, folktales, and classics, such as Anne of Green Gables, inspired her to draw and write her own stories.

At university, Lisa studied archaeology. She learned to survey and dig at historic places in regional NSW and the ACT. To this day, she holds a deep affection for old homesteads. For her PhD dissertation, she investigated Inkan sacrifice, myth and the ceremonial landscape, completing fieldwork in the Peruvian Andes. In 2015, she was awarded her doctorate.

Living in the Andes was a transformative experience for Lisa. As she walked ancient pathways, she was reminded of how little and simple things, like spending time outdoors, can rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Then, one day in Cusco, she encountered a maestro from the Q’ero lineage who encouraged her to explore her artistic side. Returning home, she picked up the paint brush and pen again.

For over a decade, she has worked with primary-aged children in a range of learning environments. She is passionate about helping children explore history and nature through storytelling and art. In 2017, she founded Ancient Explorer, a project offering resources on natural and ancient history for children. 

In addition to painting and writing, she loves to craft miniatures, garden and study aromatherapy. She shares vignettes of her creative life in her vlog on YouTube and stories on Substack. 

Artist Statement

“I believe we are all born creators. One important key to living an enchanted life is weaving curiosity, wonder and play into our everyday world.”

Contact Lisa