Lizzy Stageman, distinguished artist and a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji nations, has emerged as a visionary in the contemporary artistic community.

Her debut contract furnishings collection with Materialised, “Finding My Place,” stands as a poignant celebration of culture and connection, embodying an elegant and meaningful fusion of ancestral wisdom, life experiences, and extraordinary artistic prowess.

“Express who you are,” says Stageman. “Find beauty wherever you can and celebrate that.”

Within this collection, Stageman masterfully translates her original art into captivating commercial masterpieces, solidifying her position as a leader in contemporary Aboriginal design. Her work not only resonates with profound cultural significance but also transcends boundaries, bridging the past with the present in a striking and evocative manner.

Her exploration of the restorative power of art reflects a personal journey as well. After experiencing a stroke in 2017 and battling breast cancer in 2018, Lizzy Stageman found respite in creativity and the healing nature of art. Her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with her profound appreciation for culture and connection, finds eloquent expression in the intricate tapestry of her artistic designs.

“Creating art soothes my soul,” she explains. “Art is my story on a canvas. It’s my way of healing wounds and has led me to finding my place.”

The meaning of rain

Stageman explores her deep fascination with rain and its significance as a force of life and growth in traditional Aboriginal culture, as well as its enduring prominence as a symbol for healing in contemporary art. Many of her pieces explore these values through an experimental contemporary lens, subverting and strengthening tradition all at once.

Marrunga Yubaa (Sweet Rain), Galimbang (Rain) and Against the Elements all celebrate the powerful significance of rain as a unique force for change. Stageman says, “they represent not just rain, but what rain brings you… Flowers, growth, water, feeling… Enjoy every moment it brings.”

Stageman’s take on the ancient Aboriginal symbol for rain features heavily throughout the pieces, adorned with a cup of delicate dots which cascade along the bottom of each coloured stroke. Stageman explains, “the colour of each drop signifies a part of my life story and is applied in layers of fine art strokes.”  

Stageman’s deeply personal act of infusing her work with her own honest experiences, struggles and triumphs reflects a broader rekindling of pride and belonging within Indigenous communities and invites broader audiences to engage with these rich traditions from a fresh perspective.

Indigenous identity, history and resilience

For more than 50,000 years, First Nations art has given voice to Australian stories. It is an exceptionally communicative and dynamic vessel for identity, history, communication and resilience. Art, design and architecture provides a medium for Indigenous peoples to chronical their knowledge of the land, their relationship with the natural world, and their profound cultural beliefs.

Materialised has recently partnered with King Living, with whom the Lizzy Stageman collection is being used in a new upholstered collection.

“As an Australian brand with almost five decades of experience, we are very excited about our new partnership with Materialised,” says Kahn Morkaya, Trade & Commercial Manager AU/NZ for King Living. “What better way to celebrate than with the release of the new Lizzy Stageman collection, which lends itself beautifully to our newly released Aura Sofa – inspired by the form of floating islands.”

“Personally, I’m eagerly anticipating the Aura Sofa gracing the public eye throughout hotels, educational institutions, libraries and hospitality venues, igniting a new wave of aesthetic delight,” adds Morkaya.

Materialised

For over four decades, Materialised has pioneered furnishing textiles and wall coverings for the contract and interior design market, driven by the desire to create meaningful impact.

The company, which remains under the ownership and management of the founding Price family, conducts its printing and warehousing operations in Blakehurst, Sydney – a decision which allows for the on-demand printing of the Lizzy Stageman collection and offers limitless customisation possibilities through the in-house Design Team.

Explore the Lizzy Stageman furnishing textile and wall covering collection online now, as well as at any of the many Materialised Design Studios found across Australia and New Zealand. For more information on the Aura Sofa, visit the King Living website or contact the team at trade@kingliving.com.au.

Flat Lay Competition

The incredible King Living Aura Sofa & Ottoman upholstered in Lizzy Stageman fabric could be yours!

Click here to enter the Aura Sofa Flat Lay Competition