Rising Stars: Meet Lisa Thomas of Brookhaven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Thomas.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my photography journey in 2020, early in the pandemic. I was looking for a creative outlet to stay grounded, especially since I work in healthcare, which was often intense and stressful during that period. I had always been interested in photography and even owned a basic DSLR camera, though I didn’t really know how to use it. One day that spring, something told me to pick up the camera, which had been gathering dust for nearly a decade, and finally learn how to use it properly.

At first, I took photos of my family and the world around me, mostly as a way to document daily life. But over time, photography became something I connected with deeply—technically, creatively, and emotionally.

In 2023, I became drawn to abstract work and began experimenting with oil and water, which led to my ongoing project, Studies in Oil and Water. I was fascinated by how such simple materials could produce vibrant, surreal compositions that felt almost otherworldly.

Encouraged by a few fellow photographers, I started submitting my work to open calls and juried shows, something I knew nothing about at the time. That step opened the door to a whole new chapter. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit in local galleries, art pop-ups, artisan markets, and international art publications. One of the more exciting recent milestones was being invited to display my work at the Brookhaven City Centre Gala.

It’s been a rewarding and unexpected journey, and I’m excited to keep growing, both as an artist and as part of the broader creative community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s definitely been a learning curve. When I first started, I had no formal training in photography. I was learning mostly through online resources and a lot of trial and error: how to use my camera, how to compose a shot, how to edit, and how to develop a clear artistic voice.

At the same time, I was juggling my career in healthcare, during a global pandemic no less, while also being a wife and mother. Finding the time and mental space to create was challenging, but I kept coming back to photography because it gave me energy and peace.

When I transitioned into abstract photography and began creating work to share publicly, it brought a whole new set of challenges—figuring out how to submit to shows, prepare prints, and promote my work, all while continuing to evolve creatively. It’s been a lot of stretching, experimenting, and second-guessing—but every challenge has helped me grow stronger and more confident as both an artist and a person.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in abstract photography and am best known for my oil and water images—vibrant, dreamlike compositions created by capturing the interaction of oil and water over a variety of backdrops. Using a macro lens, I photograph how these two naturally immiscible liquids form dynamic shapes and patterns. When layered over playful or striking backgrounds, the results often feel whimsical, surreal, and otherworldly—sometimes resembling distant galaxies, bubbles, or fleeting moments from childhood memories.

This body of work, which I call Studies in Oil and Water, began in 2023 and has since become the heart of my artistic practice. The process blends experimentation, patience, and a sense of play. Because the medium is so unpredictable, every image is completely one-of-a-kind—no two photographs can ever be recreated exactly.

What I’m most proud of is how this series has connected with people. My goal is for the work to spark joy, evoke memories, and stir the imagination. I want viewers to feel something, whether it’s a flash of nostalgia, a sense of calm, or simple visual delight as their eyes move across the frame, taking it all in. I also love when someone pauses and asks, “What is this?” They’re often surprised to learn it’s a photograph. That moment of curiosity, of rethinking what a photograph can be, is part of the experience I hope to create.

What sets my work apart is that it blurs the boundaries between photography and other visual art forms. It’s abstract, yet emotionally accessible—colorful, playful, and evocative. I aim to create images that feel both familiar and mysterious, that invite a second look, and, hopefully, a smile.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success is about connection. I define success as creating work that resonates with people on an emotional level. If someone pauses, smiles, asks a question, or tells me that an image reminded them of a childhood memory or made their day a little brighter, that’s success.

Art became a creative refuge for me during a stressful time, and now I hope my work can offer that same kind of emotional lift for others. If my images can spark curiosity, stir imagination, or simply make someone feel something meaningful, then I feel like I’ve done what I set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lisathomasfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisathomasfineart/
• Other: info@lisathomasfineart.com