Introducing Perth artist, Osha Tonia (@life.is.textured), who specialises in making beachy artwork packed with texture. From 3D wave scenes to her iconic textured palm trees, Osha has a strong voice in her artwork and loves to share her knowledge with others. Find out more about her passions and inspirations down below!

Do you come from a creative family?

Oh, absolutely—but we all took different routes with it! My sister is all about photography, my brother is a master at wood carving (and an annoyingly good drawer), and my parents were forever knee-deep in DIY home projects. Even my cousins are artistic—it’s like creativity runs in the family, but in different directions!

What creative project were you a little unsure to start but turned out better than you hoped?

Honestly? Almost everything I start! I usually begin a project thinking, hmm, this could be a disaster, but somehow, most of the time, it turns out better than expected. Of course, there are those rare creations that get quietly hidden away (or thrown straight in the bin—RIP). But that’s part of the fun, right? Experimenting, learning, and just rolling with whatever happens.

Where do you turn for creative inspiration? 

If you’ve seen my work, you know nature is my biggest muse. But honestly, I see inspiration everywhere now—textures on walls, patterns on bedding, random things in shops… I’m that person staring way too long at a concrete wall because the texture has me in deep thought. Once you start noticing, you can’t unsee it!

If you were designing your dream creative space, what would it look like? Minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between?

Oh, 100% minimalist. I love neutral colours, open spaces, and massive bright windows with all the natural light. The dream is a super clean, clutter-free studio filled with indoor plants—because, fun fact, I am also completely plant-obsessed.

How do you give yourself a creative challenge?

By saying ‘yes’ to commissions I have no idea how to do. 😂 It’s slightly terrifying but always pushes me to level up. Every time I step out of my comfort zone, I become more confident and capable. The Osha that started Life is Textured is not the same Osha I am today—and that’s all because I kept challenging myself (even when I was low-key panicking).

How do you tackle art block?

I just get in the studio and play. No pressure, no overthinking—just experimenting with textures and patterns I’ve been wanting to try. Sometimes, I start with one idea, and it turns into something completely different… and I love it even more. The trick? Just keep creating. You won’t love everything, and that’s okay. But if you stop, you’ll never get to the good stuff.

What’s something you love to do, aside from creating?

Gardening! We’re on a mission as a family to be as self-sufficient as possible. We’ve got five acres and grow as many veggies as we can. If I’m not in the studio, I’m outside with my two wild boys, planting, watering, and collecting whatever’s ready to harvest. Basically, if I’m not covered in paint, I’m covered in dirt.

What’s your home like? Sleek minimalism or eye-catching maximalism?

Minimalist, for sure. Think beachy vibes, neutral tones, and natural wood. It’s my little haven.

Are you a night owl or an early bird?

Oh, I am 1,000% a night owl. I wish I was a morning person, but nope—never have been, never will be. My mum was the same way, so I don’t know if it’s genetic or just learned behavior. 😂 The second my kids go to sleep, my brain wakes up like, let’s create! I swear, my best ideas happen at midnight.

How did you discover your inner artist? Was creating something you always did, or did you find it later on?

I’ve always been creative—scrapbooking, flipping furniture, the whole lot. But after having my boys, I needed something just for me. That’s when I found mixed media art, and honestly? I never looked back. I’d stay up until ridiculous hours, completely lost in creating with no idea how much time had passed. That’s when I knew—this is my thing.

Osha’s approach to creating is inspiring – we’re going to keep in mind that if you stop creating when you hit a roadblock, how will you ever get to the good stuff?

See more of @life.is.textured by checking out our gallery, where her art journey is featured! Stock up on crafty goodies like Texture Mediums, Acrylic Paints, and Canvases to get creating at home. If you do make something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

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