Artist Spotlight: Aurora Art

Mother and Daughter duo Aurora Art take the spotlight in Tanya and Vito's stunning Guest Bedroom on The Block. We get to know Lani and Zara who are behind the stunning artwork...

'Flower Fields' stunning canvas print by Lani steals the showing in Tanya and Vito's colourful Guest Bedroom.


Tell us a bit about yourself…
My full name is Melanie, but I was given the nickname Lani by my grandmother. I am one half of Aurora Art, which is made up of my eldest daughter Zara and myself. We are a Mother and Daughter Artist Duo living in Melbourne. Zara is a professionally trained artist with a Fine Arts Degree. Before becoming a full-time artist a few years ago, I previously worked in Marketing and also as a High School Teacher. Today, I am a Mum of five children and a full-time Artist, living my dream. 

How long have you been producing your art?
My Mother is from Papua New Guinea and growing up, our home was filled with traditional artefacts and art. I was always fascinated by PNG artisans and would watch my Aunties weave mats, beading and making bilums. I further developed a love for art and homewares after landing a part-time job at Ikea whilst I was studying at University. When my husband and I renovated our first home together over 20 years ago, I filled it with my artwork and have done so ever since. Zara has always been creative too, painting with me since she was a young child. 

Lani and Zara are a mother and daughter artist team from Melbourne inspired by nature, family life and their culture.

Where do you draw inspiration from? 
Living in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria with my five children and husband, I am inspired by nature and motherhood. The rolling hills and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are stunning. I am also inspired by my heritage, which is half Scottish and Papua New Guinean. I spent some of my younger years going to school in Papua New Guinea and find so much beauty in my culture.  

How would you describe your art?
Our art is joyful, colourful, eclectic and feminine.  

Your art features on The Block this year?
This year Aurora Art was featured in the guest bedroom of Tanya and Vito. It has been a dream of mine to have my artwork featured on The Block. When I found out my artwork was chosen by Tanya and Vito, I cried tears of joy. 

Tanya working with Nadia from The Block Shop design team in selecting the right artwork for their Guest Bedroom.

What does it mean for you?
Being on The Block and a The Block Shop artist means so much to both Zara and me. It is a dream come true. We feel honoured every day that people chose our artwork for their homes.

Who is your favourite Block couple?
Our favourite couple is Tanya and Vito of course! We also love Deb and Andy. 

Roll out the prints...what a selection from Aurora art. We think you choose well Tanya!

Are there any particular artists that inspire you?
I am inspired by my daughter Zara, whom I learn from every day. I also find Jai Vasicek and Tahlia Stanton inspiring. All three of these artists are very talented and unique. 

Where do you like to create your art?
We have a Gallery which is open by appointment in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. I like to paint there or in my home studio.  

Zara and Lani create beautiful artworks filled with joy, colour and soul.

Do you have a playlist you like to paint to?
I love songs that you can dance along with but have a soft spot for old school 90s tracks. 

What does a typical day look like for you?
Being a full-time artist is more than just creating artwork every day. Together with Zara, we spend time with our framer, prints supplier, replying to emails and organising the shipping of sold prints and original artwork. I will usually go to my Gallery to paint, create social media content or photograph new artwork that is for sale. After the dinner routine with my family, I spend more time painting in my home studio most evenings. 

How do you fit your art around life?
Running a small business is hard. There is always something you should be doing. It is really important to regularly celebrate the progress you make, and not be too hard on yourself. 

The colourful Tanya could not have selected a better artwork for their Guest Bedroom.


Favourite holiday destination?
After nearly 6 months in Melbourne lockdown since Covid started - I would be happy with a holiday anywhere! 

What would you buy yourself from The Block Shop?
I would like to buy some gorgeous lamps for my home. 

Favourite house decorating trend?
I think it is important to decorate your home with what you love, rather than trends. Being an artist I am biased, but I think that decorating your home with artwork you love is very important.

Oldest and/or daggiest thing you have in your house that should be thrown out but you just can’t bring yourself to?
I recently found some old pregnancy magazines from the late 90s, without of date advice and products. I could not bring myself to throw them out, because they reminded me of being pregnant with Zara. 

Lani pictured with the stunning 'Flower Fields'.

Have you built your own house? 
We recently moved into our family home we just finished building. The whole process took 3 years, due to delays with permits and Covid-19. I have learnt patience from this experience. 

Favourite artwork you own?  
Our house is filled with Aurora Art, and also other artists such as Jai Vasicek, Carley Bourne, Mia Pensa, Bonnie Gray and Emma Hergstrom. We also have traditional Papua New Guinea tapa cloths, baskets and weaving. 

Most treasured possession (other than kids or partner!)
Family photographs and my five children’s baby photos. 

Please check out the beautiful Aurora Art range HERE