Adelaide-born and Melbourne-based artist Lisa King paints large scale murals for a living; with many of her public works on show in cities such as Adelaide, Darwin, the USA and Melbourne.
You’ll find an epic new work at Blossom Rooftop Bar inside the Pullman Hotel on Melbourne’s Swanston Street. From her early beginnings in the graffiti world to mastering the figurative and painterly when it comes to her mural imaginings, King has captured portraits of David Bowie and Queen’s Freddie Mercury, worked on public art showcases with Juddy Roller on Spencer St, Melbourne earlier this year, and keeps breaking new boundaries as an artist.
The Write Drop chats with Lisa King about the inspiration behind the Pullman artwork, her favourite bars, wineries and what she’s drinking right now.
MY CITY
Melbourne – I love the cultural diversity, cutting edge food and wine scene, and how this city allows room for those who challenge the status quo. I also love that Melbourne is a gateway city to international locations for creative partnerships.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
It has to be the first time I went to 1800 Lasagne. Eggplant lasagne, garlic bread, bottle of Nebbiolo and Montenegro. Mind blown!
FAVOURITE BAR
Gray and Gray Bread and Wine in High Street Northcote. I love this place for its fluffy flatbread and whipped cod roe which I have with a glass of South Australian Borachio Chardonnay Savagnin. This place wins for serving me that delicious whipped cod roe and a drop that reminds me of home [Adelaide].
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
In spring and summer, it would be Chablis – known for its understated elegance. In winter; I like the revered Nebbiolo with its mysterious nature to transcend the ordinary late at night [insert laugh here].
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Tuna sashimi with fresh wasabi and a tokkuri flask of cold sake.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Apollonia; an underground Sicilian Cocktail Bar in Sydney – you’ll find it in the basement of Hinchcliff House. Also recommend the hi-fi listening bar in LA called In Sheep’s Clothing.
FAVOURITE WINE
I just tasted the 2023 Mark Foletta Malbec Saffron Gramophone– was lucky enough to taste the first bottle with Mark himself – which will be my go to wine of 2024.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I have to say I love going to Alpha Box & Dice (McLaren Vale) when home in South Australia. It’s an old haunt of mine that never gets old. Super fun young gun vibes.
TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PULLMAN MURAL
It’s a combination of my personal experiences, philosophy, metaphors in life, art history, community, wildlife, challenging the status quo, my creative heroes and public engagement. It’s a modern take and cross-pollination approach from the Dutch masters to Blossom Rooftop Bar’s philosophy.
BARS WE WILL FIND YOU IN MELBOURNE
1800 Lasagne and Gibson’s Wine Bar in Hawthorn.
GO-TO COCKTAIL
Whiskey Sour baby. Black Pearl for the win.
NEXT DESTINATION
Bali and New York.
Instagram: @artoflisaking
