We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Garness Mallory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a Denver Colorado native. I was born into a family of artist parents and relatives on both sides. My mother said from the time I was two years old I was telling people I was an artist. All through my childhood my parents encouraged my artistic ability. My mom and I did some kind of art everyday. She was an avid oil and acrylic painter. And my dad made mom and my frames for our paintings and drawings. Then when I was in collage my dad started making sterling sliver jewelry of his own design. My parents strong support of my art meant the world to me even into adulthood. When my mom was 92 years old she gave me a card that said “I believe in you and your dreams.” I carry this card everywhere I go as inspiration to continue my artists journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2009 I fell in love with digital photography. My background was fine art so I created my process of using wood carving tools and an engraver to etch on my photography. My goal was to combine my fine art and photography skills in an effort to “stand out from the many” in art shows, exhibitions, and sales. Since starting my process I was a featured artist on PBS (which can be accessed on Youtube). And my work has been published in several national and international magazines. My journey hasn’t always been easy….In 2010 I had a life threatening illness called Graves Disease. It took a year to recover and while ill the disease affected my brain which caused me to forget how I created my photo etchings. I was devastated. but determined to regain my skill, so I retrained my brain by using my old work to create new exciting work. My doctor said I saved my own life. I fought to live for my mother, son, and to continue my artist journey.
In 2011 two of my etchings were juried into my first international exhibition in Nagasaki Japan in the Nagasaki Art Museum. Since that time my photo etchings have won 20 international photography awards.
My hope is to become well known for my photo etching process in order to sell my work for a living.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend to Rocky Mountain National Park. We would take a picnic breakfast and lunch so we can eat inbetween taking spectacular photos of the beautiful mountains, lakes, and of course elk and other wildlife. We would stay until sunset to get some gorgeous shots of the colors on the mountain tops. Before heading home we would stop by a local eatery for dinner in Estes Park, they’re all good. Taking the back way home is much more scenic and always breathtaking. Because we’re professional wildlife and nature photographers spending our day this way is what is exciting to us.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to my artist parents for their love and encouragement of my art. And to my best friend Myra Baker who has supported my work and helped me get it to and from many shows for years. Thanks from my heart!

Website: www.lisagarnessart.weebly.com

Youtube: Search: Lisa Garness Mallory

Other: Interest in purchasing text: 720-525-0467 I will do commissions

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.