“Don’t think too hard about what you’re going to do in four years. Just go with your passions. Put your hand up. Apply for things like scholarships or VCA or art school in Hobart. Throw your hat in the ring.”

Wynyard raised Lisa Garland has been shortlisted for the National Photographic Portrait Prize, the Hobart City Art Prize and in 2007 was awarded the Moorilla Prize (now the MONA scholarship).

Lisa Garland - Aunty Lettie (2014) — Aunty Lettie (2014)

She’s old-school, developing large format silver gelatin portraits in a darkroom. She casts light on life as a working artist. Lisa must juggle the demands of a full-time job while running the small business of her art practice.

“It doesn’t just fall from the sky,” she laughs. “[Artists] are working hard at things, late at night. We’re working during the day. I know artists who are working in factories then at night they’re painting in studios. And trying to do a good job at everything. They’re adding culture to a place. That’s what makes a place attractive.”

She is grateful for her role as a teacher at Don College.

“My students are golden.”

Eric Hiller, her former colleague at Hellyer College believes she is one of the best photography teachers in the state.

“She’s tremendous. She’s interested. She’s there…she’s not somewhere else,” he says.

Lisa feels strongly that there should be more done to involve young people in the art community.

“We need an older demographic that understand the importance of supporting younger people as a way forward instead of seeing it as a threat. Embrace that,” she says.

Artists, like everyone, need a certain amount of recognition. Lisa remembers the full turnout for her 2005 solo show in Burnie as part of Ten Days On The Island. In 2023 Lisa had a solo exhibition commissioned by Launceston’s QVMAG.

“What are you doing it for?” she ponders. “If you’re doing it for yourself then they [prizes] are like little love hearts. Yep, keep rolling. What you’re doing is okay.”