Indigenous Dubbo artist Lizzy Stageman's artwork has gone viral after it featured on an episode on The Block 2021.
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The art work featured in the television show contestants Ronnie and Georgias house, prompting more than $75,000 worth in sales.
Miss Stageman, a proud Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji woman from Dubbo, is a completely self-taught artist, having switched careers just three years ago after a battle with breast cancer and a stroke.
"I know this is cliché, but I have to say, [it has been] life changing like you could never imagine," Mrs Stageman said.
"To be acknowledged for my artwork and to be able to share it on a national TV show like The Block 2021, is truly special.
"I want to share a part of my culture; I'm learning about it through my art and sharing it with the world.
"Its been life changing in so many ways.
Mrs Stageman said she had had a conversation with her son who asked her what was in store for her in the future.
"I responded that my goal is to one day feature on The Block," she said.
"That afternoon I sent an email to The Block Shop asking how I could sell my artwork through the online store, not thinking I would get a reply.
"Five days later I got a reply, saying that a contestant had seen my work and wanted to commission me to paint some artwork for hallway week."
Mrs Stageman was born and raised on Wiradjuri land in Dubbo, she is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa and Barkindji nations.
"I am a wife and mum of three very beautiful adult souls of whom many of my stories are inspired by or written for," she said.
"I use traditional Aboriginal dot art symbols through my own artistic lens to create my own overall designs. Telling my story in a unique way.
"My life journey led me to create art and as I learn more about my culture through this medium, I learn more about me, and where I fit."
The artists has had her fair share of health issues. She survived a stroke in 2017 and breast cancer in 2018, as well as "a few heart problems".
It made her turn to art.
"I am completely self-taught and didn't really set out with any art genre in mind, I just know I had some skill," Mrs Stageman said.
"I grew up always loving art and was very fortunate to have a dear, and very artistic cousin live with us for a while. I learnt from watching and sharing with him how to carve emu eggs, how to leatherwork, draw animals, even sculpt horses out of mud."
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