Meet the Maker: Hey Maker

Painting from her home studio in a small coastal town in the Bay of Plenty, Lisa from Hey Maker creates layered, tonal works that celebrate women and the quiet strength of everyday life. Influenced by the islands and shaped by motherhood, her pieces unfold intuitively - rich in texture, depth and feeling. 

We’re so pleased to now have a selection of Hey Maker fine art prints available at A&C, bringing warmth and softness into the home. 

We chatted with Lisa about coastal living, creative rhythm and the season of life she’s painting through. 

1. Can you tell us a little about Hey Maker and how it began? 
What first drew you to painting, and at what point did it become something more than just a creative outlet? 

My childhood was filled with creativity, so I have experimented with various mediums. In 2020, I picked up painting again while we were in lockdown for something to pass the time. I shared a free print and received a lot of support. My dream career has always been to do something creative while I can still be at home with my children. I feel like after the first year of sharing my work I believed it would become something sustainable. 

2. You paint from your home studio in a small coastal town in the Bay of Plenty – how does your surroundings influence your work? 
Are there particular colours, textures or moments from daily life that make their way onto your canvas? 

I’m a big texture seeker and there is plenty to access living coastal, particularly collecting shells and stones with my daughters or finding compositions I’d like to paint on walks.   

3. Your work has a strong tonal palette and layered texture. Can you talk us through your creative process? 
Do you begin with a clear vision, or does each piece evolve intuitively as you build those layers? 

Occasionally I’ll have a sketch to go by but it’s mostly intuitive work. I’m not afraid to paint over parts or even the whole piece. That’s how I build the layers, I keep adding more until it looks or feels right. 

4. There’s a beautiful celebration of women throughout your art. What does that theme mean to you personally? 
Is there a story, memory or influence behind the women you paint? 

I love painting women; there’s a quiet confidence about them that I try to capture. I'm surrounded by incredible women, especially my group of girlfriends so it only comes naturally to paint. 

5. As a mother of three young daughters, how does motherhood shape your creative practice? 
Has it changed the way you approach time, intuition, or the meaning behind your work? 

I’ve learned to accept I can’t fit everything in one studio day. Before, I struggled to switch off at night, would get frustrated that my workday was over so quickly when ‘there’s so much to do’. But realising this time at home with my children is more important and there'll always be more to get done. On the days they’re not in daycare I don't try and fit in work anymore, I leave that to my studio days. 

6. What role does texture play in your pieces?
We’d love to know how you create that depth and why layering is such an important part of your expression. 

I've always gravitated towards texture and as my work is mostly intuitive it doesn't always work out on the first go. This leaves plenty of space for me to layer paint and I love the idea that you can see part of my process showing through. 

7. What does a typical day look like for you in this season of life? 
Studio time, family time, the in-between moments – we love hearing about the rhythm behind the art. 

My two youngest girls are in daycare which leaves me with three days to work in the studio. On my off days you'll often find us at the beach, playground or skate park. If we're not outside, we will be drawing together and just taking quiet moments at home (in amongst the chaos). I try get out to the golf course twice a week, it's my newest hobby which I'm loving. Weekends are a mix of friends and family time. 

Quick Fire: Fill in the Blanks

The first thing I do before I start painting is.. Put on a podcast or tv show for background noise. My studio always has the Happy Hour podcast playing in the background. 

I feel most inspired when… I’m in the studio surrounded by my work  

A colour I’m constantly drawn to right now is… maroon 

Motherhood has taught me… how resilient I am and how fun life can be 

If I wasn’t painting, I would be… I could only do some form of creative work so probably pottery! 

My dream commission would be… I’m not sure for who yet, but I’d love to paint a giant canvas that would fill a wall.  

The best part about creating art is… I feel completely content painting. When I’m locked in, everything outside switches off.