Artist Profile: Lily Yap
Lily Yap was born in East Timor to Chinese parents and grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne. Her creative journey began early, spending weekends designing and making her own clothes. In high school, she discovered a love for painting while studying visual arts, learning to work with oil paints. However, unsure about pursuing art as a career, she chose to study engineering.
After years of traveling and working overseas in international development and humanitarian response, Lily rarely painted, except for occasional sketches of loved ones. It wasn’t until 2019, when she became a mother, that art found its way back into her life. During the intense and transformative early days of motherhood, she began painting at her kitchen table, drawn to exploring emotions and the human experience. Acrylic paint, with its quick-drying nature, became her medium of choice, allowing her to create amidst the chaos of family life.
By 2024, after welcoming her second child and dedicating years to refining her craft, Lily took a significant step and rented a shared studio in Geelong. Living by the coast with her young family, she found inspiration in the natural beauty around her—gum trees, birds, and the serenity of the outdoors. Joining the Bellarine Arts Trail marked a turning point in her career. For the first time, she introduced herself as an artist, receiving enthusiastic feedback and selling her works.
In her studio, Lily embraced abstract art, exploring intuitive and playful forms. This approach allowed her to paint from memory, capturing emotions and sensations through color, texture, and movement. Her works now reflect her deep connection to nature, with vibrant compositions inspired by birds, trees, and the magic of the natural world.
Today, Lily continues to create bold, expressive paintings, featuring broad brushstrokes, dynamic marks, and striking color palettes. Birds are a recurring motif, symbolizing freedom and the awe of witnessing their flight. Her art invites viewers to experience the beauty, wonder, and joy of being immersed in nature.