In her former years, Wiradjuri artist Lauren Freestone's dad's house was like "his own little gallery", though she didn't envisage herself going down a similar path - let alone making it her career when faced with a "now or never" moment.

Freestone has grown her business - Freestone Art, inspired by her coastal homes and ties to Wiradjuri Country to create one-off original works, canvas pieces, prints and collaborations with other brands.

Textured mediums such as sands, ceramics and limestone are a favourite, Freestone saying it brings something extra with depth, and lets things "evolve" on canvas.

Now based out of Emerald Beach, Gumbaynggirr Country on the NSW north coast, COVID-19 threw open the doors at diving into what had been a lifelong presence.

She grew up an hour south in Scotts Head.

"In 2016 I started an Instagram account, and I couldn't really keep up with the constant messages asking where to buy my artworks from, so in 2018 I finally bit the bullet and started a website," Ms Freestone told National Indigenous Times.

The transition to a full-time artist still sits a little uncomfortably, she admits, with Freestone having "no idea what I was doing business-wise" early on.

From something she viewed as a hobby, investing in herself and following a lifelong passion doesn't come cheap or easy.

After losing her visual merchandising job with a homewares store through the pandemic, "self doubt and what-ifs" were set aside.

"I always had a little feeling that it could work," she said.

As the world spent more time inside and online, orders increased.

Rather than look for a new job, "I just thought it was now or never," Ms Freestone said.

"Thankfully I have been able to paint for the last 4 years."

She also credits her husband for being a supportive partner in the transition.

As a child Ms Freestone picked up influences at home, following on with her dad's creative passions and the landscapes which surrounded her, spending most of her time around the beach and outdoors.

Her dad, Lee Freestone, who is described as her creative lead, moved up the coast from Sydney in his teens and never looked back.

"Dad has always been creative - he would paint up all his mud crab shells, carve little wooden fish, snakes, dogs and boomerangs. He always had something going on and I was naturally drawn to art through his creativity," Freestone said.

"I always loved creating and I guess it started with Dad's creations - from finding shells for his little fish carvings to watching him paint his big canvases.

"Dad's house was like his own little gallery. Every wall had art hanging and shelves full of his other creations.

"I started painting my own canvas more seriously in my early twenties, but I'd just give them to family and friends. It kind of got around and I started getting more interest, but I never thought much of it."

Freestone Art's website reads: "Although following in her father's footsteps, she has developed her own contemporary while staying connected to her family and personal story. As a proud Wiradjuri woman she draws inspiration from her great grandparents country as well as saltwater country of Gumbaynggirr where she grew up."

"My work is inspired by the natural world around me, where I live, where I grew up and Wiradjuri Country where our mob is from," Freestone told National Indigenous Times.

"I draw inspiration from our family history and my dad's artwork too."

When it comes to culture and art, "You can't really have one without the other," she said.

"My work would hold no meaning without it.

"The importance of art in culture for me is expression. It's how I express my thoughts, feelings and experiences. It's a way for me to tell my story."

Freestone put a focus on collaborations during 2024, with another due to release this year.

She is also set on painting more and possibly expanding into textiles.

"I love seeing my work on different products - it's a whole new thing and a different way to appreciate the artwork," she said.

"I have been lucky to collaborate with a few amazing brands."

Freestone added going full circle and incorporating her art in homewares is something she'd love to pursue.