Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Autry.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, the Glass City, where my love for art began during childhood with visits to the Toledo Museum of Art. While I wasn’t the strongest student in most subjects, art always came naturally to me—it was where I felt at home and most myself.
After starting a family, I returned to school at 28 and earned both a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Art from the University of Toledo. The art studios were taught in the basement of the museum and allowed us to visit the works of art at any time. In 1990 I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I opened a private art school where I taught for 10 years before moving into commissioned work for homes and, eventually, sacred spaces.
My turning point came when I was asked to design and plaster the walls and ceiling of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte. That project opened the door to additional commissions in churches, allowing me to combine my craft with my faith.
Today, I feel deeply blessed to use my skills to create beauty that brings glory to God. For me, there could never be a greater calling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My greatest challenge is the idea that each commission may be more than I can do, as well as self imposed deadlines. Each mural is done a a grid and from the drawings to the walls of the studio on canvases. This is followed by transporting and installing in the churches on the walls or ceilings. This step of the process causes me pause because there is no room for error. I trust if I was fortunate enough to be picked to do the work, God has already made it possible for me to complete the task.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work with a wide range of subject matter and substrates. At the moment, I am creating a 30’ x 22’ mural, producing panels of stenciled canvases, and repainting and repairing a set of 48-inch three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. In addition, I also have a commission for a private residence. In a nutshell I paint, restore, design, or create whatever the patron needs.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
In terms of mentors I haven’t found many people that do what I do. I have however been highly influenced by many of the great instructors I have had the fortune to learn from. I read about how other artist put their insecurities aside and continue to take risks. I also continue to study the old masters and their works. I visit museums and travel as often as I can to find inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.lisaartist.com
