As a child, Lisa regularly drew and copied pictures of cartoons from varying newspapers as a creative outlet. However, she was encouraged to use her time at school to study more practical subjects. With this guidance in mind, Lisa earned a BA in Journalism from UW Madison. After graduation, she worked for several different advertising agencies as a Media Buyer and Planner. However, she didn't feel creatively fulfilled by working in this field.
Upon this realization, Lisa enrolled at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee in the Art Therapy program. Although, Lisa's true passion lied in painting and she sought to chase that dream. This then led her to attend UW Milwaukee, whereupon she earned a second BA in Drawing, Painting and Fibers.
UW Milwaukee challenged Lisa's artistic thought process and approach. She found that the traditional methods used to draw and paint established a foundation for visual expression. However, Lisa sought new ways and tools to convey what she saw in the world. Her love of books and floral design arrangements, inspired her to paint her whimsical perspective and illustrative interpretation of the world. This inspiration and approach, allowed Lisa to pursue the creative playfulness that captured her heart and attention as a child.
I find inspiration in the unexpected playful shapes found in every cultivated garden or a wild untamed patch of ground. These elements combined in my paintings suggest the unexpected adventure nature
has in-store for all of us. The viewer will discover that my paintings tell a story through their floral design that may be my story or a story created by the viewer's own response.
Painting has been an opportunity for me to explore vibrant color and texture on canvas. Additionally, with this I also use the fluidity of acrylic paint to create the shapes I observe in nature. The plasticity of
the paint explores the longevity of this man-made product versus the fragility of our natural environment. The hard long lasting quality of plastic opposes the limits of nature's time to bloom and die. The creation of texture using non traditional tools such as the non-bristle end of a paint brush or a palette knife enhances an element of surprise. The surprises created by exploring unexpected painting tools opens the door to new stories of my own or those of the viewer.
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin BA Fine Arts 1992
Mount Mary University, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Certificate of Art Therapy 1988
University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, BA Journalism 1977
Group Exhibitions
Mama D's Coffee Wales, Wisconsin 2018
University Lake School, Hartland, Wisconsin, “Millennium Auction”, 1999
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Union Art Gallery, “UWM Art Competition”,
1997
Milwaukee Art for Aids Auction, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1996
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “Founded in Milwaukee”, 1996
Center for the Visual Arts, Wausau, Wisconsin, “Prospectus Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors”, 1996
Art Elements Gallery, Ltd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1996
Milwaukee Art for Aids Auction, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1995
Art Elements Gallery, Ltd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “Art for the Table” 1995
Becca Gallery, Berlin, Wisconsin 1994
Milwaukee Symphony Showcase House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1994
Tripoli Country Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1993
La Galleria del Conte, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “Four Directions”, 1993
La Galleria del Conte, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “Christmas Invitational”, 1992
Milwaukee Envelope, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 1994-1998
Wauwatosa Public Library, Firefly Art Gallery, “Fluid Floral,” Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 1996
Online Exhibitions
PAINTINGSDIRECT.COM 2005-2008
Public and Corporate Collections
University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Performing Arts Center, 1998
Sojourner Truth House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Commissioned one foot plaque of Sojourner Truth, 1998
Interior Wall Mural - South Wall Coffee Depot, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 1999
Entrance Wall Mural, B'LOU Boutique, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 1998
Interior Wall Mural - North Wall, B'LOU Boutique, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 1998
Interior Wall Mural - South Wall B'LOU Boutique, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 1998
Murals Residential
Bathroom Mural, Private Residence, Pine Lake, Nashotah, Wisconsin 1998
Organizations
League of Milwaukee Artists
2023-Present
Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors
1995-1998
Wisconsin Women In the Arts
1995-1998
Employment
Sendiks Fine Foods Floral Artist 2016-Present
lisaa.bissonette12@
gmail.com
Instagram: @myfabulousflowers