Lisa Nooin: Cover Artist Studio Visit Book Vol. 5
Lisa Nooin, a self-taught Vietnamese-Australian artist based in Sydney, is the brilliant cover artist for Studio Visit Book Volume 5. With over 250 pages of rich, intimate content, this luxurious hardcover edition continues to spotlight emerging women artists from across the globe, this time through the thoughtful and tender lens of Lisa’s work. Known for her soft brushwork, serene palettes, and deep emotional resonance, Lisa’s art quietly commands attention, capturing beauty in life’s small, often unnoticed moments. Through her feature and cover, readers are offered a window into her world—gentle, introspective, and unforgettable.
Inside the book, readers will explore over 50 inspiring studio visits and exclusive interviews, including a heartfelt conversation with Lisa herself. Her words are as soulful as her artwork, offering an honest look at her journey, her influences, and how painting became not just a profession but a personal refuge.
Who is Lisa Nooin?
Lisa Nooin is a contemporary oil painter whose work exudes stillness, simplicity, and warmth. Though her background lies in graphic design and illustration, she eventually stepped away from digital mediums in search of something slower and more meaningful. What she found was painting—a practice that allowed her to reconnect with herself, her culture, and her emotions. Her work often features everyday objects: food on a table, fruit in bloom, a vase of flowers, or a quiet figure—each piece a quiet reflection of home, comfort, and memory.
With Vietnamese roots and an Australian upbringing, Lisa’s identity is a beautiful blend of cultures that subtly shows up in her compositions. Her paintings don’t shout; they gently invite. They ask us to slow down, to notice what’s in front of us, and to find meaning in the mundane.
Beginnings of Nooin
Growing up in the culturally rich suburb of Cabramatta, Lisa was surrounded by community, heritage, and a deep sense of belonging. Yet, as a naturally shy and anxious child, she found it easier to express herself visually rather than verbally. Drawing and painting became her safe space—a language that allowed her to say what words couldn’t. This relationship with art only deepened as she grew older.
For nearly eight years, Lisa worked in the creative industry as a graphic designer and illustrator. Though successful, something always felt missing. That “something” turned out to be the physical and emotional intimacy of painting. When she began to share her oil works publicly, the response was immediate and heartfelt. She wasn’t just making art—she was connecting.
Theme & Inspiration
Lisa Nooin’s art revolves around themes of emotional stillness, cultural memory, and the sacredness of everyday life. Her inspiration often comes from quiet moments—those that usually go unnoticed in the rush of daily living. A piece of fruit on a plate, the warm glow of morning light, the shape of a flower just past its bloom—these are not just visuals for Lisa, but symbols of tenderness, change, and presence.
Her Vietnamese upbringing, particularly her connection to food and family rituals, plays a strong role in her work. She draws from the textures and colors of her childhood kitchen, the delicate balance of ingredients, and the feeling of being nourished—physically and emotionally. These memories subtly influence her compositions, giving them a personal yet universal touch.
Nature is another central theme in Lisa’s work. Her floral motifs are not decorative—they represent life cycles, transformation, and the quiet power of femininity. There’s a softness to her paintings that makes space for contemplation, almost like a visual exhale. Influenced by Japanese minimalism, modern still life, and emotional narrative art, Lisa blends these aesthetics into something introspective and warm. She doesn’t try to impress with complexity—she invites connection through sincerity.
Collaborations
Lisa’s work has found meaningful connections beyond the canvas. Her collaboration with Food For Everyone turned her artwork into limited-edition prints that supported meal donations, fusing her love for food, storytelling, and community care. These works—featuring familiar comforts like jam toast or noodle bowls—remind us how art can also be a form of giving.
She’s also a proud member of Re: Artists Collective, supporting underrepresented women artists across Australia. Her collaborations reflect her values: art that is generous, inclusive, and rooted in everyday magic.
Exhibitions
Lisa Nooin’s paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions, each one reaffirming the gentle yet profound impact of her work. Some of her notable showcases include
- Springtime No. 6 – Backwoods Gallery, Melbourne
- Re:Present – Re:Artists Collective
- Artist Spotlight – Just Another Agency
- Booooooom Artist Feature – Global
- Digital Showcases – Bluethumb, RE:Artists, and more
There’s a quiet pull in the way Lisa paints, something tender and unspoken that gently holds your attention. Her brushwork feels like a soft conversation, one that doesn’t need to be loud to be heard. It makes you pause, not with intensity, but with warmth. Her art lingers with you long after you’ve looked away, like a feeling you can’t quite name but don’t want to forget.
What’s Ahead for Lisa Nooin?
Lisa Nooin’s journey as an artist is unfolding with quiet confidence and emotional depth. She has already carved a space for herself through work that feels sincere, grounding, and beautifully human. With every painting, Lisa explores themes of belonging, stillness, and emotional honesty—connecting with viewers in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally understood. Her gentle approach to storytelling through art is a refreshing contrast in today’s fast-moving world, and it’s what makes her work so timeless. As she continues to grow, experiment, and create, Lisa is not just painting what she sees—she’s painting what she feels. And that emotional truth is what will continue to shape her future and solidify her place as an artist whose voice truly matters.
