LISL BARRY

Lisl Barry (neé Boonzaier) was originally a graphic art graduate from Cape Town (Cape Technikon 1991 majoring in Printmaking and Photography). She lived for 23 years with her nature conservation husband and their two young daughters, on a remote nature reserve in the Little Karoo (Gamkaberg). They relocated to Oudtshoorn in 2017 where she now has a studio-gallery. This lifestyle of being immersed in nature has had a great influence on her work and the way she sees the world. She is passionate about the environment and natural living.

She began painting watercolours in earnest in 1985 at the age of 15 and oils in 2001. Her graphic design background (pre digital

technology) shaped the way she sees everyday scenes around her as a graphic interplay of light, colours and shapes; she is

constantly aware of the striking and the subtle patterns within them; and of the tensions and energies created between shapes

and lines. And how all of these aspects can be used within her compositions to inspire emotion.

She believes that art, in any form, is vital to opening our eyes anew to the world around us; to make us see everyday things

or situations in a way which we may not have previously experienced and, with regards to her own work specifically,

to reflect upon our relationship as humans to the environment – on a local and global level.

Exhibiting in group exhibitions since 1993, her work forms part of collections locally and abroad.

Watch Lisl Barry_A portrait of an Artist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUdE59gp9js

Timeline

– 1970  born Lisl Boonzaier

– 1985  at 15 began an exploration in painting watercolour landscapes.

– 1988  Matriculated from Wynberg Girls High School, Cape Town.

– 1989 to 1991

           studied Graphic Art (majoring in Printmaking and Photography) at Cape Technikon, Cape Town.

           Lecturers included Leon Vermeulen, Alma Voster and Eunice Geustyn

– 1992    Art Designer for small printing company, George

– 1993   relocated to Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, Little Karoo. Metamorphosed into Lisl Barry.

– 1995 to 2002

             while living on Gamkaberg Nature Reserve: Creative Director-Designer and Illustrator for

             Jacana Publishers’ environmental book series. 2002 metamorphosed into motherhood.

1993 onwards     

             participated in various group exhibitions consistently at Strydom Gallery (George), Prince Albert Gallery (Prince Albert),

             and ArtKaroo Gallery (Oudtshoorn).

– 2007    a finalist of Veleka Art Competition, Arts Association of Bellville.

– 2008    authored 52 Ways to Grow Creative Children (published by Jacana Publishers)

– 2013 onwards

             full time artist working from own studio-gallery in Oudtshoorn, Little Karoo

Exhibitions

April 2018   Open studio, KKNK Oudtshoorn

June 2018     ‘Alchemical Procedure’ group exhibition, Think Art, Plettenberg Bay Arts Festival

August 2018  Open studio, Klein Karoo Klassique Festival, Oudtshoorn

April 2018   Open studio, KKNK Oudtshoorn

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