Lucia Tuffley

Stories in Motion

Lucia Tuffley is an Australian artist who bridges philosophy, poetry and visual storytelling. Based on the Sunshine Coast, she explores the emotional weight of materiality through expressive compositions that merge colour, form and meaning. Her practice is deeply intuitive – drawing from philosophy, emotional experience and a fascination with the spaces we inhabit. “Ideas and materials shape each other – sometimes I experiment until a form appears, other times I start with an idea and find what brings it to life,” Lucia says of her creative process. This instinctive approach leads to compositions rich with symbolism, where colour, form and texture carry emotional weight. One of Lucia’s recurring figures is Sam, an enigmatic character with a wide-brimmed hat who reappears across her works. Alongside Sam, motifs of tulips, birds, fish and empty corners create an abstract visual language – suggestions of movement, memory and introspection.

Portrait by Sunday Wegener

A Philosophy of Colour and Form

Lucia’s use of colour is entirely instinctive. “Colour is emotion. Thinking too much about it only leads to second-guessing – my first pick is usually the strongest.” While a particular artistic movement doesn’t inspire Lucia, she has recently been delving into Bojagi, the art of traditional Korean wrapping cloth, and the Colourist movement, particularly the work of Pierre Boncompain. This interest in textile and colour-driven practices aligns with her intuitive approach, as she embraces bold, harmonious palettes that feel spontaneous and deeply intentional.

 “I love the idea of my work hanging in spaces filled with life, surrounded by everyday objects, worn wood, keys, shopping lists and traces of daily rituals.”

When not in the studio, Lucia is often in the ocean – surfing, swimming or exploring the freshwater creeks near her home with friends. This connection to water is personal and artistic, offering a sense of rhythm and renewal that carries into her work. Whether through colour, symbolism or composition, her pieces continue exploring existentialism, metaphysics and the quiet narratives in everyday spaces.