Lisa Grace
About the Artist
I’ve wanted to be a photographer since I was 6 years old. It was facial expressions that really fascinated me. My love of photography brought me Kent, UK where I studied editorial and commercial photography. After graduation I had a love/dislike relationship with photography – I loved taking photographs / I disliked the tough industry and the constant competition to get assisting roles. I always had a deep need for my creative outlet, so across the years I photographed beautiful faces and life moments for family, friends, friends of friends, etc. I began to stretch my boundaries in the latter years, trusting my instincts I switched up and headed to my favourite spot on Dollymount Beach (Dublin, Ireland), camera in hand. At that moment all that mattered was capturing the feeling, healing and escapism that was unfolding in front of me. My heart began to flutter with excitement again! Through my work I started a ‘sensing journey’ and letting go of learned ways of doing things.
“Redefining perception, transforming what already exists and sensing with a thoughtful lens” ~ Lisa Grace
Artist Statement
While out making photographs I approach the natural world with curiosity, respect and optimism. Using camera motion, my abstract view is a continual exploration of removing the noise and experiencing the feelings of awe and connection to something beyond oneself. My photographic work breaks the rules of representational photography (what people expect photographs to be) to get closer to the essence of my subject, making the unseen seen. My first series an invitation to ‘Awaken the Senses’ was a gift to myself blended from mindfulness and photography. Drawing inspiration from the idyllic waters of Dublin Bay and the rugged coastline and landscape of the West of Ireland. I slowed down to ‘just be’ noticing ‘what resonates with me’ and ‘why’. Continuing the theme of wakening the senses my personal series of honouring my Nana has its challenges. Buddhist teacher Suzuki Roshi says “The most important thing is to remember the most important thing. This personal series is also designed to prompt conversations with all senses and not just sight.
What are your “Treasured moments” & how do you connect it to your work?
I have been pondering how to honour my Nana, who passed in 2015, and her never-ending belief in me to do whatever I set out to do. I have always had a strong emotional connection to the sea and Nana always had a similar connection to nature. My eureka moment came as I watched a single flower bloom throughout 2020. Drawing energy and vitality from this beautiful purple blossom ignited treasured moments with new dimensions. The colour purple represents Nana’s femininity, gracefulness and unconditional love. An intuitive soul, who loved dancing I embodied my ICM abstract style/technique which always involves me dancing and swaying to Irish folk and Celtic music as I photograph. Honing in on the form, colour and light, I love the unique results from my ICM. A wonderful treasured surprise!
