Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Barry.
Liz Barry
Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an artist through and through, with diverse creative pursuits. At my core, I am a professional photographer, capturing precious moments for families at all stages of life. However, my passion for photography extends far beyond portraiture, as I am an accomplished underwater photographer exploring the ocean with my camera. My love of photography and marine conservation began at the age of 13 when I got certified to scuba dive and discovered the wonders of the underwater world through my lens. This transformative experience set me on a path that would shape my life and career. In addition to my photographic endeavors, I am an accomplished painter and art educator, having launched my teaching career 15 years ago. I began by sharing my expertise in teaching darkroom photography and have since expanded to include various mediums, such as clay, printmaking, sculpture, painting, and more. Most recently, I have combined my passion for art and conservation by launching Wild Art, a conservation-themed clay art kit subscription for kids. These kits provide all the necessary supplies, easy-to-follow instructions, online tutorials, and additional resources to help children sculpt endangered or threatened animals out of clay. Wild Art Kits foster creativity while raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s diverse species. Beyond my artistic pursuits, I live in Charleston, SC, with my amazing husband and family. I am a mother to two beautiful daughters, aged 3 and 6, and a proud pet parent to Tuna, my tripawd golden retriever. Additionally, my adventurous spirit has led me to ride my bike across the United States to raise money for childhood cancer research. And my fascination and love of humpback whales has taken me to many parts of the world to swim in the water with these incredible animals.
I am an artist through and through, with diverse creative pursuits. At my core, I am a professional photographer, capturing precious moments for families at all stages of life. However, my passion for photography extends far beyond portraiture, as I am an accomplished underwater photographer exploring the ocean with my camera. My love of photography and marine conservation began at the age of 13 when I got certified to scuba dive and discovered the wonders of the underwater world through my lens. This transformative experience set me on a path that would shape my life and career. In addition to my photographic endeavors, I am an accomplished painter and art educator, having launched my teaching career 15 years ago. I began by sharing my expertise in teaching darkroom photography and have since expanded to include various mediums, such as clay, printmaking, sculpture, painting, and more. Most recently, I have combined my passion for art and conservation by launching Wild Art, a conservation-themed clay art kit subscription for kids. These kits provide all the necessary supplies, easy-to-follow instructions, online tutorials, and additional resources to help children sculpt endangered or threatened animals out of clay. Wild Art Kits foster creativity while raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s diverse species. Beyond my artistic pursuits, I live in Charleston, SC, with my amazing husband and family. I am a mother to two beautiful daughters, aged 3 and 6, and a proud pet parent to Tuna, my tripawd golden retriever. Additionally, my adventurous spirit has led me to ride my bike across the United States to raise money for childhood cancer research. And my fascination and love of humpback whales has taken me to many parts of the world to swim in the water with these incredible animals.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a true multi-disciplinary artist with diverse creative talents and endeavors. Photography has long been one of my specialties, and I have built a respected career capturing heartwarming family portraits that authentically document the bonds and milestones shared between loved ones. In addition to my photography work, I am an accomplished watercolor painter – one of my current favorite painting concepts being “Collaborative Portraits” where the children I paint are involved in the process and paint the background of the piece. Additionally, for over 15 years, I have channeled my artistic gifts into educating others and nurturing students’ creativity as an art educator. Most recently, I have combined my artistic passions with environmental advocacy by founding Wild Art, an innovative monthly clay art kit subscription service that introduces children to conservation themes. Through Wild Art, I inspire youngsters to appreciate nature’s wonders while developing their sculpting abilities.
I am a true multi-disciplinary artist with diverse creative talents and endeavors. Photography has long been one of my specialties, and I have built a respected career capturing heartwarming family portraits that authentically document the bonds and milestones shared between loved ones. In addition to my photography work, I am an accomplished watercolor painter – one of my current favorite painting concepts being “Collaborative Portraits” where the children I paint are involved in the process and paint the background of the piece. Additionally, for over 15 years, I have channeled my artistic gifts into educating others and nurturing students’ creativity as an art educator. Most recently, I have combined my artistic passions with environmental advocacy by founding Wild Art, an innovative monthly clay art kit subscription service that introduces children to conservation themes. Through Wild Art, I inspire youngsters to appreciate nature’s wonders while developing their sculpting abilities.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love?
I fell in love with Charleston nearly 9 years ago when my husband and I relocated here from Colorado (but are initially from Pittsburgh) for the warm weather year-round, proximity to the ocean I adore, and to be nearer family on the East Coast. But what truly captured my heart was the city’s stunning beauty at every turn – from the mossy oaks… to the historic downtown… to the beaches. I love that my two daughters, ages 3 and 6, are growing up learning how to shuck oysters and hunt for shark teeth. Don’t think there are better “proud mama” moments!
I fell in love with Charleston nearly 9 years ago when my husband and I relocated here from Colorado (but are initially from Pittsburgh) for the warm weather year-round, proximity to the ocean I adore, and to be nearer family on the East Coast. But what truly captured my heart was the city’s stunning beauty at every turn – from the mossy oaks… to the historic downtown… to the beaches. I love that my two daughters, ages 3 and 6, are growing up learning how to shuck oysters and hunt for shark teeth. Don’t think there are better “proud mama” moments!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been fortunate in life in so many different ways. I have the most amazing family, friends, teachers, and a deep appreciation for travel and appreciation for the planet that has been instilled in me through both of my parents, who took me all over the world through scuba diving. In 2010, my world was turned upside down with the sudden loss of my dad. I continue to try to have his love of life, the ocean, travel, work ethic, and drive live on through me and how I approach life, my relationships (especially with my kids), and my career. Every aspect of my life experiences directly feeds into my art and creative process as a photographer and art educator. Because of the loss of my dad, I recognize the profound impact and importance of capturing these precious moments in life for families through my photography and artwork. His memory and love of the ocean and planet have influenced me to create and launch my Wild Art business – a conservation-themed clay art kit subscription box to inspire others, especially children, to appreciate nature. His passions motivate me to help others cherish their loved ones and the beauty of nature through my creative endeavors.
I’ve been fortunate in life in so many different ways. I have the most amazing family, friends, teachers, and a deep appreciation for travel and appreciation for the planet that has been instilled in me through both of my parents, who took me all over the world through scuba diving. In 2010, my world was turned upside down with the sudden loss of my dad. I continue to try to have his love of life, the ocean, travel, work ethic, and drive live on through me and how I approach life, my relationships (especially with my kids), and my career. Every aspect of my life experiences directly feeds into my art and creative process as a photographer and art educator. Because of the loss of my dad, I recognize the profound impact and importance of capturing these precious moments in life for families through my photography and artwork. His memory and love of the ocean and planet have influenced me to create and launch my Wild Art business – a conservation-themed clay art kit subscription box to inspire others, especially children, to appreciate nature. His passions motivate me to help others cherish their loved ones and the beauty of nature through my creative endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lizbarrystudios.com
- Instagram: @lizbarrystudios
- Facebook: Liz Barry Studios
- Other: http://wildart.kids
Image Credits
All photos except the first headshot of me are by me, Liz Barry Studios. Headshot credit: Annabeth Kierspe (www.annabethkierspe.com)
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