Lisa is a 5th generation Floridian descended from
pioneering farmers who came to the state in the 1840's.They put down roots in what is now the Ocala
National Forest, where Lisa lives in the family's 150-year-old cracker house on
the same land her ancestors settled. She
has two grown sons (26 and 29) who have given her constant support and
motivation in pursuing her career as an artist.
Lisa grew up in "Old Florida" style, surrounded by extended
family and countless friends.She was
especially influenced by her grandmother, a remarkable woman who made hats from
palm fronds, clothes from scraps of antique cloth, and baskets from pine
needles.She once made a pair of
slippers for Lisa, cutting the sole from an old inner tube, and crocheting the
tops.Early on, Lisa discovered a
life-long passion for creating art, and an appreciation for using whatever
materials were available.
Though she worked for attorneys in Ocala for many years,
Lisa's desire to create never diminished.As soon as her boys were old enough, she went back to college and began
to re-engage in the arts.She tried her
hand at various crafts, but always found painting to be the medium that allowed
the greatest self-expression.Like many
artists, she is mostly self-taught, though with the help of countless books,
classes, and workshops, and endless experimentation on canvas.
Lisa's work reflects her Florida roots and her paintings
include landscapes, seascapes, animals, and abstracts.To add interest and life, she uses palette
knives, brushes, and other implements, applying acrylic paints, inks, charcoal,
and crayons.She adds and subtracts the
various mediums until just the right balance in color and texture is achieved.
Art festivals are the primary venue for exhibiting her work,
and Lisa participates every year in 20 or more festivals across Florida and the
Southeast.Her philosophy is simple -- art should be shared and enjoyed!She
relishes the creative process, and when she produces a painting she is happy
with, and which also speaks to others, she knows she has accomplished what she
set out to do.