Desert scenes from the heart

Liza Green's love of the desert will find expression in her exhibition titled Scene at Delma Corner of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation from today until April 13.

Liza, who is the Abu Dhabi Ladies Art Group co-ordinator, will be showcasing her collection of artworks and photographs that depict the region's local traditions.

She manipulates canvases of heavy cotton or recycled linen and combines other material such as silk and scraps to give the impression of the changing colours in the desert or the tranquillity of coastal waters.

"I enjoy the desert; it's not always boiling hot, sometimes it's very cold," says Liza.

"I like the textures - I can see a lot of different colours and styles."

Using subtle stitching, paint and a mix of media, Liza incorporates maps of Abu Dhabi, coastal images such as offshore islands, boat channels and shipping lanes.

The fact that she experiments with fabric is no surprise considering her background.

After studying textiles and fashion in Scotland, Liza worked as a freelance artist on designs and creations for the interior and fashion markets.

While in the UK, she taught art to adults and children, participated in many exhibitions and was a primary school's resident artist before moving to the UAE.

Liza has exhibited her work at the Hemisphere Gallery and sold many pieces locally.

Liza has lived in Abu Dhabi for three years now and has seen a slight change in her artistic style.

"The subject matter has changed," explains Liza.

"I earlier focused more on people and how they interact with their environment - now I am influenced more by the landscape."

The exhibition showcases Liza's skill and talent in working with fabrics and natural materials.

In one of her pieces, she has even used the fronds of a palm tree.

The colours of other pieces are subliminal; the paintings of the sea and coastal regions depict a scene that is calming and relaxing.

"By stripping back to the essential elements of light and colour," says Liza.

"My aim is to invite the viewer to look more closely at the world around us, beyond the here and now."