Artist Lisa Hau moved with her partner Aaron Ash to the qathet region two years ago. They soon began operating Coming Home Farm in Wildwood (formally Hatch-A-Bird Farm).
Although there was, and is, a lot of hard work to be done getting the farm up and running, Hau hasn't wasted any time creatively. Her solo exhibition at the Crucible Gallery in October drew a large crowd of patrons to see her work, which included large colourful paintings and a line of clothing, shoes, journals and cards, with original artwork painted/printed on the fabrics.
Hau has hit all the art markets this season and is now showing at Dancing Tree Gallery in Westview.
The Peak asked Hau some follow-up questions, post solo show, about her transition from big city life to living in a rural area:
Peak: How has the transition been moving from the city of Vancouver to the qathet region?
“As with most transitions, change can be very challenging at first and there were some surprising elements when we arrived at the farm,” replied Hau. “This included clearing out unneeded items that were still on the property, painting the entirety of the interior walls and deep-cleaning our living quarters."
Hau said they discovered some unwanted visitors in the space (rats), which, she admits, isn't a new problem for farmers where produce and livestock reside.
"We certainly were a bunch of city folk now facing down some new opponents competing for our food. After sorting the physical logistics, we now faced the social component of getting to know our neighbours, the community and making new friends."
The couple decided to adopt a pup, Reishi, to support that goal of getting out to meet the community.
"This is an active town with a lot of active members, who also love to stroll in the woods with their pets. Never in my mind did I think I would live on a farm; the whole experience is different than anything I’ve known, requiring a complete lifestyle change."
Hau said she and her partner absolutely love the lifestyle now, even though they do still face many challenges.
Peak: The artwork you create looks very colourful with nature themes, but how would you describe your artwork?
"Yes, I would agree that visually, my artwork is very colourful. Nevertheless, there is so much more than meets the eye. My hope is that when viewers approach my pieces, though their attention may be captured at first, that they interact with them and fall in love with all the subtle details found within."
Hau said her artwork represents her own prayers for peace, love, and liberation.
"The paintings are filled with my words and energy; they’re conversations with the muse while connecting deep with my life’s experiences and insights. The vibrant colours are a part of my storytelling: uplifting and joyful.”
Peak: The shoes with your artwork on them seem like a great idea. Do you plan to expand your art into a clothing line or a brand?
"I always used to tell myself it’d be really amazing to have a fashion line before I even made art, so I suppose I’m creating my own with a street-wear style that I love: crop tops, tees, tanks and hoodies. For now, I’m sticking with canvases as an opportunity to expand into these other items as well."
Peak: How would you describe your opening night? What did you want patrons to take away from your show?
"Overall, I was truly in awe of all the love and support I received on the opening night. The evening’s theme was rooted in abundance, nourishment and connection. My main goal for patrons who stepped into the gallery was to feel inspired. My journey in art has been one of determined effort and steady growth. I am so proud of the collection I showed and felt called upon to share it with the broader community."
Peak: In your artist statement you talk about how each painting is part of your journey of growth and finding light after darkness. Can you share what types of challenges you have faced? Is making art part of the healing process?
"I think the challenges that are deeply personal and individual are sometimes the most universal. I reached a point in my adult life where I was living the expectations of what was supposed to bring happiness and fulfillment, but behind closed doors it was quite the opposite. I had to question everything and reevaluate. I had to start over from nothing, and in that time frame I sunk into hopelessness."
Hau said part of her healing process was a slow and steady commitment to show up every day, first to yoga, which transitioned into meditation.
"I began to revive that lost spark inside of myself and the belief that I have the personal power to move forward from tragedy and unhealthy circumstances. Hope reentered and opened my beliefs and my calling to create art, to alchemize beauty from pain."
She said for her, being present in every moment of life helps that evolution be one of positivity rather than suffering.
"So yes, my journey as an artist mirrors my healing, and it makes me excited to share it widely with others and support the community as I grow.”
To see some of Hau's work at her solo at the Crucible in October, go to
prpeak.com/local-news/crucible-gallery-hosts-life-in-bloom-exhibition-in-qathet-region-9645052, or to her website lisahau.com.
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