8 June 2026
Marina Lommerse Elsa: The Story of a Lioness, mixed media, 2026. Photo: Sam de Souza.
“Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!”— Dr. Seuss
It's fun to make as well as paint!
I’m embarking on a new sculptural series, life sized animal characters inspired by Dr. Seuss’s Unorthodox Taxidermy surrealist 1930’s sculptures, and contemporary artists working in cardboard.
The making of Elsa.
Animal relics are cultural touchstones of my formative years, having been brought up in rural and remote Tanzania and Northern Canada. Those of you who have visited my Freo home, studio and Manitoba cottage will recognise my penchant for animal skulls, antlers, skins and clothing.
Characters have always intrigued me — whether animal, human, plant, or object. What draws me in is the story they carry: what they are doing, how they express themselves, where they reside. I am currently working on new pieces for an upcoming exhibition, in which animal characters will take centre stage. My present focus is on sculpting animal heads from cardboard, paper, and paint.
Marina Lommerse Red Fox Study, recycled cardboard, 2025. Photo: Sam de Souza
My process starts with a 3-D model of an animal, a toy, a model, a live creature. I draw scaled elevations of front and side. I scale up and build a wall hung structure. Then I layer recycled strips of cardboard, creating the skin, sculpting features — always referring to the measurements. Using photographs, I abstract expressions, texture, colour, movement and details slowly revealing what I feel are the defining characteristics of my friend.
Red Fox Study process.
Red Fox Study creation.
Over the next months I will experiment with different way to express the characteristics and features of my animals using varied materials. An exhibition in Canada in 2027 will feature animals of the North.
Marina Lommerse Eastern Barn Owl, mixed media, 2026 (SOLD). Photo: Sam de Souza
For more insights into how I work and to browse my artwork catalogue for sale, visit: www.marinalommerse.com
PLC OCA Art Exhibition
If you're curious to see Elsa in person - Elsa: The Story of a Lioness is one of five of my selected works featured in the upcoming PLC OCA Art Exhibition, alongside 60+ incredible artists.
Come experience the stories, meet the artists, and perhaps bring home a piece of original art that speaks to you. I would love to see you there.
OPENING NIGHT
Friday 12 June | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Live entertainment, drinks & bites
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
(entry by gold coin donation)
PLC Senior School Gallery
14 McNeil Street, Peppermint Grove.
All artworks available for sale.
Marina Lommerse Mermaid Reef, Rowley Shoals Acrylic, silver leaf on canvas, 2026. Photo: Sam de Souza
Inspirational novel:
The Remarkably Bright Creatures
This film is an adaptation of one of my favourite novels, of the same name. An elderly widow (Sally Field) who cleans at an aquarium in the Pacific Northwest forms an unlikely bond with a Giant Pacific Octopus, while also befriending a young drifter who comes to town in search of family.
Thank you for your attention. For erratic and hilarious updates on my carry-ons, follow me: