Featured Artist Lisa Thomas

Digital artist Lisa Thomas presents a contemporary collection of delightful images created using oil and water. See more of her work on her website.

 

 

As a photographer who enjoys the abstract, I’ve always been drawn to the unique and unexpected beauty found in the ordinary. In my current project, Studies in Oil and Water, I use a macro lens to create abstract images with a mix of oil and water, combined with a variety of backdrops to form circular shapes, interesting patterns, and vibrant textures.

 

 

These elements come together in a dance of color and form that transforms everyday materials into extraordinary visual experiences.

 

 

Photography has always been a quiet interest of mine. Growing up, I was fascinated by the process and the way a single moment could be captured and preserved. I have fond memories of my father, who dabbled in photography, turning his bathroom into a darkroom to develop his film.

 

 

Life took me on a different path, leading me to healthcare—a field where I find deep fulfillment in helping others. Yet the pull of photography never really left me. In 2020, early in the pandemic, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet, a way to process the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that the world was collectively facing. That’s when I decided to seriously delve into photography, a journey that has been both therapeutic and exhilarating.

 

 

My work is inspired by everyday events, both positive and negative. The pandemic, with all its challenges, brought a renewed perspective on the beauty of simple things. I started to see art in the mundane—the way light filters through a window, the dance of shadows on a wall, the intricate patterns formed by oil and water. These everyday occurrences became the foundation of my creative process.

 

 

In my photography, I use a mix of oil and water as my subject, typically placing them against colorful backdrops, although black and white can be equally interesting. This combination results in circular forms that create a mesmerizing interplay of texture, light, and color. Each photograph tells its own story, often surprising me with the narratives that emerge. The process feels almost meditative as if the art itself is guiding me, taking on a life of its own.

 

 

What I love most about this medium is its unpredictability. No two images are ever the same, even when using the same materials. The interaction between oil, water, and backdrop creates endless variations, each one more intriguing than the last. This unpredictability keeps me curious and constantly experimenting, pushing the boundaries of what I can create.

 

 

For me, photography is not just about capturing what I see but about expressing what I feel. It’s a way to share my perspective, find beauty in the unconventional, and invite others to see the world through a different lens. Every photograph is a piece of my journey, a reflection of my experiences, and a testament to the resilience and beauty of everyday life.

 

Lisa Thomas invites you to follow her on Instagram. 

 

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