My work explores how we remember the world around us. We do not perceive our surroundings in a square or rectangular format like a photograph; rather, we recall the specific elements of an experience that make a lasting impression on our consciousness. This realization is what led me to create shaped paintings, giving physical form to the character of our lived experiences.

These custom-designed canvases might reference the wind bending the trees or the way water ripples, captivating and mesmerizing the senses. By layering thick oil paint onto the canvas—often utilizing my favorite colour, blue, to capture the gorgeous Canadian skies—I aim to convey a sense of peace and capture the joy found in moments of quiet reflection.

For this exhibition at Vū Cafe, I have brought together a series of shaped landscapes inspired by Canadian lakes and forests, alongside shaped still-life paintings celebrating the simple comforts of cafe life, like tea, bread, and fruit.

This exhibition is a quiet invitation to experience a sense of wonder and peace, engaging with unique shapes that conjure up your own distinct memories.

Biography

Lisa Allshire is an artist whose peripatetic life has deeply shaped her independent and reflective artistic practice. Born and raised in Ireland, she holds a vivid childhood memory of wanting to "scrape the blue off the sky with a knife" as if it were a solid substance. This memory continues to inform her work today, reflected in her tactile use of thick oil paints.

Before settling in Canada, Lisa lived in the UK, Switzerland, Czechia, and Australia. This nomadic lifestyle fostered a deep self-reliance, allowing her to absorb new ideas and continue painting wherever she lived. Initially influenced by Dutch landscape and still-life traditions, her art has since evolved into her signature custom-shaped canvas works. Today, Lisa creates immersive pieces that highlight the very nature of human memory, inviting viewers into a calm, mesmerizing atmosphere.