We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Gizara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.

Lisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was only 4 years old, my dad bought me a huge box of Crayola crayons with that very cool sharpener in the back. I was so in awe of all of the colors! At 14 years old my parents paid for me to take a plein air painting class in the New England country side. And I knew that I had found my passion. I was also lucky enough to have had an amazing neighbor who taught me how to oil paint and mix colors- and I was blessed with a very loving and creative high school art teacher. Without all of these people, I would not have become an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My parents agreed to send me to UMASS South Dartmouth (originally called SMU) to pursue a degree in fine arts. On freshman orientation day, an art professor looked around at the 100 of us or so and said “In a few years, only one or two of you will still be making art.” I knew, at that exact moment, that was me. My parents encouraged me to be a photographer as well as a painter. And I have been able to make a living as a fine art and a commercial photographer for as long as I have been painting. The key to my art career- persistence and a knowing that I am doing exactly what I want to do. After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1980’s I became a still photographer for the television and film industry, then I was a Public Relations Photographer for Roger’s & Cowan and a real estate photographer. I was always able to find part time job while I continued to paint, and all along the way, many people helped me. Twenty years ago I was introduced to a gallery in North Hollywood that caters to the film industry. They rent and sell my work to this day. I have also consistently shown my paintings in solo and group shows including The Colorida Gallery in Lisbon, Portugal; The C Gallery in Los Alamos, CA; the Las Laguna Gallery in Laguna Niguel, CA; & many years at The Venice Art Walk. My photographs have been shown in multiple exhibitions including the SFO Museum, The Annenberg Space for Photography and the G2 Gallery in Venice, CA, The Louvre in Paris and in NYC. Most recently I have been sold multiple photos and paintings to private collectors in Montecito and San Francisco, CA.

“One of the remarkable things about Lisa Gizara’s work is the duality of expression between her mysterious black and white photos and the explosive abstract paintings she produces. Massive in scope and filled with serene haunting images of nature and architecture, Gizara’s photography has a pure and somber photojournalistic tone that carries from series to series. Gizara’s energetic, expressive and liberated paintings harken abstract expressionism. Her colorful abstracts reflect her love of landscape, the black and white paintings reflect passion and chaos. There is a simultaneous calming and excitement in the non-verbal exchange in her pieces.” Written by Rebecca Rose, Art Writer.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

We are in very challenging times politically, environmentally and emotionally. The world is so turbulent and difficult right now. We all feel powerless on what is going on in the world. But when I go into my studio and create art, everything around me becomes silent. My thoughts disappear into a creative and nurturing place. It is from this place that beauty and mystery are revealed. And in that moment life is good. All the noise falls away. And I am one with all there is. I have been told that people are transported and feel peace when they look at my work. In this way I hope that I am helping to heal others and bring more peace onto this planet.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Art is not my hobby. Creating is my passion and as important as breathing to me. Without art, life would have very little meaning to me. Being an artist is not a choice- it is a calling. And the key to success- never give up and follow the yes’es.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gizaraarts.omnipresenti.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisagizara/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GizaraArts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gizara-arts-1253902/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qctL9o5hMzg
• Other: https://poplme.co/hash/3aapICda/1/dash

Image Credits
All photos shot my me: ©2023 GizaraArts.com