Behind the Brushstroke: Meet Saltwater Woman
We have been so lucky to work with the artists we do and feature their beautiful pieces in our store. One of our newest artists we have recently welcomed is Annalisa Lawrence, also known as Saltwater Woman.
We recently chatted with Annalisa and found out what inspires her to create such beautiful and unique pieces.
Tell us about yourself and your upbringing, and where the name "Saltwaterwoman" came from?
I grew up in beautiful Tasmania, spending my early years on the rugged west coast near the Tarkine. Most weekends were spent exploring Tassie's countless camping and bushwalking spots with my family. Holidays, however, meant heading to the East Coast, to a place called the Bay of Fires—known for its crystal-clear, icy waters and white sands. My parents now live there permanently, so I’m lucky to return to those special spots for Christmas and Easter.
The name “Saltwaterwoman” actually started as my Instagram handle back in 2009. After living in both Western Australia and then moving to Newcastle, I came across an article about Korean sea divers referred to as “saltwater women.” The term resonated deeply with me, perfectly capturing my love for the coast and the sea. Initially, I had a different name for my art brand, but when a surfboard company beat me to registering it, I took it as a sign and embraced “Saltwaterwoman.” It felt like a natural fit—not just for my artwork, but broad enough to encompass future ventures like apparel and coastal accessories, which I’m still exploring.
Growing up, did you always know that you would be creative?
Yes, creativity has always been part of who I am. My mum likes to weave, making baskets from natural grasses, and she’s also a drawer, always encouraging me to express myself creatively. My dad was into restoring and collecting old cars, and my brother is a filmmaker in his spare time—creativity surrounded me growing up. I was constantly making things, whether it was paper accessories, handmade frames, or finding new projects to dive into. Art was the subject I naturally excelled in at school, which led me to enroll in art school in the early 2000s. I aimed for a double degree to teach art and languages, as I studied Indonesian and Spanish (after learning Spanish as an exchange student in the late 90s in Ecuador!). But the traditional path wasn’t for me, so I left art school to experience life a bit more. It took a few years, becoming a mother, and facing redundancy before I rediscovered painting, but it all came together when it was meant to.
Who are your biggest influences, and what inspires your work?
Surf art has always had a special place in my heart for the way it captures coastal culture with a sense of reverence. Lately, I’ve been inspired by Monet, not just for his techniques but for his ability to break away from tradition and create something truly new. Fashion and interiors also play a role in shaping my ideas, but at the core, I paint what resonates with me. I believe that’s what allows my work to connect with others. My art centers around people—their stories, their connections, their passions. I care deeply about the human condition, whether it’s the way we connect, navigate grief, or celebrate joy. Even though my work is minimalist, those are the themes that run through everything I create.
Tell us about your studio or workspace. What keeps you motivated?
My studio is the spare bedroom in my house, which offers flexibility but also invites distraction. What keeps me motivated is surrounding myself with what I love—spending time by the sea, staying active through surfing and mountain biking, enjoying good design, engaging in meaningful conversations, going on holidays with my family. My 20s were all about traveling, my 30s about motherhood, and now I’m back to embracing new adventures while staying grounded in what brings me joy. I find that prioritizing happiness and living intentionally fuels both my creativity and productivity.
Is there a piece of advice you’ve received as an artist that has helped shape your work?
I didn’t receive any specific advice that changed everything for me, but if I could share one thing with other artists, it’s this: there are no rules. Don’t block yourself. I wasted a lot of time doubting my work and fearing failure, which led me to step away from art for years. In hindsight, those years gave me valuable life experience, but it was unnecessary to wait for the “right” time. You learn by doing, whether you succeed or stumble—you’ll always gain something from the process.
Where do you hope your art will take you, and do you have any big goals you’re working towards?
Everywhere! I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far, and I hope to keep building on that momentum. I’d love to exhibit with international galleries and show my work at global art fairs. I’ve always been drawn to islands, so a residency in the Mediterranean or Italy would be incredible. Anywhere near the sea, really! I tend to focus on what’s right in front of me and trust that the bigger goals will unfold naturally.
To view our collection from Saltwater Woman go here