LARA SCOLARI - PAINTING ENERGY, EMOTION, AND CONNECTION.

Lara Scolari is an acclaimed Australian contemporary artist best known for her vibrant abstract expressionist works, where passion, movement, and joy merge with playful spontaneity. Her artistic journey began early, she painted her first mural on the wall of her childhood home, encouraged by her art-loving parents. This nurturing environment shaped her fearless and generous approach to creating art, a philosophy that continues to guide her today.

Q1: What first drew you toward becoming an artist?

Lara Scolari: Creativity has always been my language. Even as a child, translating feelings and observations into visual form fascinated me. Over time, I realized that art was the most authentic way for me to express myself.

Q2: Was there a specific turning point in your journey?

Lara Scolari: Yes. During a solo trip to the Australian outback, the vast landscapes, silence, and raw beauty deeply moved me. That experience ignited my determination to capture such moments through art.

Q3: How has your background shaped your work?

Lara Scolari: Living for two decades in the outback profoundly influenced my perspective. The constantly changing light, colours, and textures of the land still inform my art today.

Q4: Which artists have inspired you?

Lara Scolari: I’ve been drawn to Abstract Expressionists like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock for their fearless use of colour and movement. I also admire Gerhard Richter’s ability to blend emotion, form, and texture.

Q5: How important has formal education been in your career?

Lara Scolari: My Master’s in Cross-Disciplinary Art & Design was transformative. It encouraged me to explore beyond traditional boundaries and experiment with new ideas, materials, and techniques.

Q6: Can you describe your creative process?

Lara Scolari: I work intuitively. An idea or emotion, often sparked by nature or travel, sets the tone. While I may begin with a sketch, the real magic happens when I let go and allow the paint to lead.

Q7: What inspires your ideas?

Lara Scolari: Travel is my biggest source of inspiration. From the ley lines of the UK to New Zealand’s lush greens and the vast Australian deserts, each place leaves an energy that I translate into my work.

Q8: Do you have any studio rituals?

Lara Scolari: My studio is a peaceful, focused space. I often meditate before starting to clear my mind and set an intention for the work.

Q9: How do you approach creative blocks?

Lara Scolari: I see them as part of the process. Stepping away, walking in nature, or revisiting older pieces helps ideas flow again.

Q10: What themes do you explore?

Lara Scolari: Energy, human connection, and our relationship with nature are central to my work. I want my paintings to express the interwoven nature of life.

Q11: How do you want viewers to experience your art?

Lara Scolari: I hope they feel a personal connection, whether that’s movement, peace, or a burst of energy.

Q12: Is there a piece that means the most to you?

Lara Scolari: Menindee holds a special place in my heart. Inspired by the outback, it reflects the resilience and spirit of the land.

Q13: What materials do you work with most?

Lara Scolari: Acrylics, inks, and mixed media, they give me the depth and fluidity I need to create dynamic compositions.

Q14: Do you collaborate with other creatives?

Lara Scolari: Yes. One highlight was working with Designer Rugs to transform my paintings into luxury floor art, bringing my style into an entirely new medium.

Q15: What’s your biggest career challenge?

Lara Scolari: Balancing the creative process with the business side of art, while staying true to my vision.

Q16: How do you deal with criticism?

Lara Scolari: By remembering why I create. Art is subjective, and feedback is part of the journey, but my focus remains on my personal growth.

Q17: What’s been your proudest moment?

Lara Scolari: Exhibiting annually in Texas. The audience there really connects with my work, which is incredibly rewarding.

Q18: How do you see art’s role in society?

Lara Scolari: Art connects people, challenges perspectives, and sparks emotion. In today’s world, that’s more important than ever.

Q19: What’s next for you?

Lara Scolari: I have upcoming shows in Sydney and Texas, plus new collaborations that will push my work into exciting directions. My long-term dream is to keep evolving, reach global audiences, and see my art in major collections and museums.

Through her work, Lara Scolari invites viewers on an intimate journey, one that blends emotion, memory, and the boundless beauty of the Australian landscape. Her paintings are more than visual experiences; they are immersive worlds of colour, movement, and energy, offering a moment of reflection and escape. With each brushstroke, Lara reaffirms her belief that art should not only be seen, but deeply felt, sparking connection, conversation, and joy across cultures and generations.

"My paintings provide a space for you to engage with this spectrum of energy that provokes thought, and conversation along with a sense of happiness and joy. I hope that my works evoke the freedom to transport yourself to another state of mind." -Lara Scolari