Creative Spotlight | Lorraine Simiana
Published on 16 December 2025
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make.
I’m a painter whose work explores emotion, vulnerability, and human connection. My recent works reflect the quiet constraints and silences in women’s lives to explore themes of both fragility and strength. Alongside painting, I experiment with resin, pigment, and sound to create luminous works. I’m drawn to the way sound, particularly music can deepen the emotional language of visual art, forming a dialogue between what is seen and what is felt.
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
You can see more of my work and projects here:
Are there any special processes, techniques or tools you use to make your creative work?
My creative ideas often stem from personal experiences, self-reflection, and an interest in themes like vulnerability and resilience. Music, literature, and nature are my go-to sources for sparking new ideas that eventually find their way onto the canvas. I draw inspiration from artists like Louise Bourgeois, Frida Kahlo, and Dale Frank, whose bold approach encourages me to continuously push boundaries.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
Being of Maltese descent, a trip to Malta in 2019 prompted me to reflect on my heritage and identity. I observed how Catholic traditions shape daily life and set expectations, particularly for women, who are often defined by their roles as wives or mothers rather than as individuals. This juxtaposition with my experience in Australia continues to resonate, surfacing in explorations of autonomy, resilience, and struggles that shape who we are.
What is a creative project that you’ve worked on that you’re really proud of? Why? What creative project are you working on at the moment?
My recent solo exhibition at the See Street Gallery marked a meaningful return to my artistic roots. I’m now exploring how resin and sound can merge to create new layers of expression in my work.
What has been the highlight of your creative career so far?
It was my final year at Meadowbank TAFE and I was selected as a finalist in the Open division of Fisher’s Ghost Art Prize in 2014. That was special.
What’s your favourite part of working as an artist / creative?
The freedom to express ideas and emotions visually, to capture something that can’t always be said in words. I also love the process itself: the quiet focus of painting, the surprises that happen along the way, and the conversations that art sparks with others.
What’s the most challenging part of working as an artist/creative?
Balancing creative time with practical realities like funding, deadlines, and self-promotion can be difficult. There are also moments of self-doubt, but I’ve learned that persistence and curiosity are just as important as inspiration.
Do you have any top tips for emerging artists and creatives just starting out?
Keep making, even when you’re unsure of the outcome. Experiment, stay curious, and don’t compare your path to others. Building connections with local artists and taking part in exhibitions can open unexpected opportunities and keep your motivation alive.