This Christmas, as we search for meaningful and thoughtful gifts, there’s no better time to spotlight the work of Indigenous artists who offer not just beauty, but deep cultural connection and storytelling in their creations.
Lauren Freestone, a contemporary Aboriginal artist from the mid-north coast of NSW on Gumbaynggirr Country, brings this spirit to life in her art. Born and raised in Scotts Head, Lauren follows in the creative footsteps of her father, Lee Freestone, a proud Wiradjuri man and artist. Her work seamlessly blends the inspiration of her family’s Wiradjuri heritage with the saltwater country where she grew up, creating pieces that are rich in texture, history, and emotion – a perfect choice for a gift that holds meaning beyond the festive season.
In this interview, Lauren shares her artistic journey, the importance of giving back, and why supporting Indigenous artists like herself is a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays.
Growing up on Gumbaynggirr Country, how did your surroundings influence your artistic style and choice of mediums?
A lot of my earlier work was really inspired by the ocean which was a huge part of my childhood growing up on Gumbaynggirr Country. It was our day to day. My Dad painted a lot of our ocean life – crabs, turtles, fish, dolphins, but he also carved timber fish and we would collect shells to place around the bottom of the carvings. Growing up spending so much time outside I think was really important in shaping who I am and my artwork today.
“With the Tide” which is inspired by the everchanging coastline. Shop here.
Your father, Lee Freestone, is also an artist. How has his work and guidance shaped your journey, and how have you made your own creative mark?
I was always in awe of dads creations; I don’t think I’d be painting today if I hadn’t grown up watching him. It was just so normal to have his paintings and paints laying around at his place – just being surrounded by his creativity was really inspiring. I think my work is more contemporary, my colour pallet is quite soft and muted and I use a lot of different textured mediums, but I am still inspired by dads work a lot and I love to go see what he is working on.
Your art beautifully reflects the connection between your Wiradjuri heritage and the saltwater country where you were raised. How do you weave these dual inspirations into your pieces?
I am always so inspired by these two beautiful lands. I often paint the similarities between both like the Banksias & the gums and the use mob have for them, but my hill scapes are more noticeably of Wiradjuri Country. Making time to get out there and connect fills me with inspiration.
The earthy colour palette you use captures the essence of Country so vividly. Can you share your process for choosing colours and textures to tell your story?
There are so many beautiful paint colours and mediums available now. I love to mix different paints and create new colours too. Sometimes I will look at photos I’ve taken for comparison in colour but for the most part it’s just trial and error – and I think error is also a part of the art sometimes. Give up on perfection, it won’t always look exactly how I had planned and that’s ok, that’s art.
How do you incorporate the spirit of giving into your work?
It’s not really something I think about incorporating into my artwork, but I guess all artists and creatives are giving the viewer a chance to see something from our perspective. Giving back to community is also something that is very important to me which I do through donations and collaborations.
Christmas is often a time for thoughtful gifting. Why do you think art, especially pieces that reflect culture and connection, makes such a meaningful gift?
Giving the buyer a lens into the artists world and making a connection through art is really special. Having the story behind the artwork speak to people and also makes it really meaningful. Just buying from any small business I think is a more thoughtful gift too.
As we celebrate Indigenous creativity, what message or feeling do you hope your art brings to those who gift or receive it this holiday season?
There is a little bit of the artist in every painting so I hope they can see the love that goes into it. I hope there is something they can learn or appreciate from the meaning behind the artwork too.
Learn more about Lauren Freestone and purchase her art below.
Read more of our Gift Guides and articles from our 12 Days of Christmas series here.
