~ A CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF IMPERILED SPECIES ~
Lisa D. Watson has been venturing into the surrounding landscapes.
With the help of biologists, rangers and volunteers from the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, The Key West Garden Club, The Key Deer Wildlife Refuge, The Longleaf Alliance and regional naturalists, Watson has studied endangered, threatened and rare plants.
The exhibition explored how loss of habitat, sprawl, chemical spraying, invasive exotic species and poachers are changing native habitats into unhealthy and unsustainable lands.
Along with the artwork and sound installation, the exhibition venues hosted informative lectures to help visitors make educated decisions in their own gardens and surrounding environment.
The exhibition was accompanied by composer Eric Chasalow’s What Shade of Green is Our Horizon? The 42-minute aural land and seascape was composed for Avant Gardener after Lisa and Eric met during their artists in residence at The Studios of Key West in 2022. The sound piece was created with the support of a Bogliasco Foundation Fellowship.
AVANT GARDENER EXHIBITION VENUES
September 2 - October 22, 2022 Sulfur Studios 2301 Bull St. Savannah, GA 31401
November 3, 2022 - February 12, 2023 Coastal Discovery Museum 70 Honey Horn Dr. Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
March 9 - May 5, 2023 The Averitt Center for the Arts 33 E. Main St. Statesboro, GA 30458
March 9 - May 18, 2023 IAB Gallery - Georgia Southern Department of History Interdisciplinary Academic Building, #3012 Statesboro, GA 30460
Press:
https://www.savannahmagazine.com/seeds-of-inspiration/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/briennewalsh/2022/09/02/in-the-smoking-ruins-of-our-built-environments-flowers-still-bloom/?sh=7f8483907246
Catalog: https://artssoutheast.org/books-and-magazines/catalog
Salvaged papers, glue paste and acrylic on cardboard
Rice paper, cardboard, lawn bag sleeve, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 40” x 31-1/2” - AVAILABLE
Native to the Southeastern United States, Swamp Rose-mallow – Hibiscus grandiflorus – is found in freshwater marshes, ditches and wet open land. It is the larval host for the Gray Hairstreak, Painted Lady Butterfly, Common Checkered Skipper, Tropical Checkered Skipper, Pearly Wood Nymph, Yellow Scallop Moth, Io Moth and Delightful Bird-Dropping Moths. The flower also attracts other butterflies, bees, beetles and birds.
Hibiscus grandiflorus is considered rare in Coastal Georgia.
A fellow Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance member brought me to this location somewhere in Georgia.
Rice paper, cardboard, powdered marble, ink, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 40” x 31.5”
Coastal Discovery Museum
2020 Security & manila envelopes, rice paper, glue paste, household, aerosol & acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 20” x 144” - AVAILABLE
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, cardboard, glitter, glue paste, household & acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 40” x 40”
Permanent Collection with The Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island, SC
Sulfur Studios
Recycled papers, envelopes, file folders, lino prints, glue paste, nail polish, acrylic and household paint on salvaged wood - 78” x 74” - AVAILABLE
In April of 2022, I joined Naturalist Christa Hayes during one of her Monarch Caterpillars on Georgia’s Atlantic Flyway surveys. On our way to the site where Sandhill Milkweed supported the caterpillars, we made a stop along a roadside ditch.
I was flabbergasted!
Not only were hooded pitcher plants flourishing but 3 other imperiled species were living in this 20 x 30 foot habitat along a roadside.
2022 Recycled papers, envelopes, file folders, linocut prints, glue paste, nail polish, acrylic and household paint on salvaged wood. 78” x 74” - AVAILABLE
2022 Linocut print on painted salvaged cardboard, security and note card envelopes, pulverized glass and glue paste. 41” x 24” - AVAILABLE
Samantha, the Semaphore
I really like cacti. But I’m in love with Samantha the Semaphore Cactus at The Florida Keys Garden Club.
Okay, I confess to naming her Samantha while I was there for my Artist Residency in February of 2022. I hung out with her at least a dozen times. One person suggested I pull up a chair and sit next to her so I could point out her awesomeness to passersby.
The lead garden volunteer promised me they would take my suggestion to cut back the prickly pear cactus nudging into her space. I felt better leaving her and was really honored to make a linoleum carving of her portrait.
Both Key Tree Cactus – Pilosocereus robinii and the Semaphore Cactus - Consolea corallicola are endangered in the Florida Keys and Cuba. Threats are primarily from fragmentation due to commercial development and the increase of hurricanes.
2022 Hand-painted linocut print adhered to cardboard in salvaged frame. 24-½” x 30-1/2” framed.
2022 Recycled papers, security envelopes and wood, toile, glue paste, colored pencils, acrylic paint on salvaged chipboard. 27-½” x 67-½” - (Currently on display University of South Carolina Beaufort - Sea Islands Center Gallery)
2022 Security envelopes, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 25-½” x 12-½”
Salvaged materials: layout board, poster board, envelopes, lawn bag sleeve, file folders, mesh, toile, batting, styrofoam, used cheesecloth, muslin, cork, produce mesh bag, paint chips, household paint
Other materials: powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint and acrylic polymer emulsion
4’ x 36’ - AVAILABLE
Please check out my Field of Vision page for more information about this piece.
Coastal Discovery Museum
Sulfur Studios
Coastal Discovery Museum
Sulfur Studios - Savannah, GA
Mixed media on reclaimed wood - 34” x 35-1/2” - 2023 - AVAILABLE
Coastal Discovery Museum
Coontie cycad in hand painted reclaimed coffee bean bag
Limited print run, 8 x 8” saddle stitch binding, 12 pages, full color, 100 lb. uncoated paper.
This fun and informative Artwork & Species Identification Guide has been produced in celebration of Lisa D. Watson’s exhibition, “Avant Gardener, A Creative Exploration of Imperiled Species,” which was on display in Sulfur Studios’ Main Gallery from September 1st - October 22nd 2022.
A scavenger hunt is included, encouraging readers to find over 20 different species in Watson’s artwork titled, “If You Live Here, It’s Home.”
Readers can also access the continuous sound art piece by Eric Chasalow through the included QR Code.
Layout and design by Emily Earl.
This catalogue is made possible through investment by the City of Savannah, and in partnership with The Coastal Discovery Museum.
Salvaged wood, papers, cardboard, donated road signs and sometimes thrown away items are the materials selected to best describe the story of the piece.
After a long period of not having access to work with clay, I’m happy to say I have been using it as my primary sculptural material since 2023.
The Soil Saints collection is a series of mixed media sculptures representing someone who has inspired me since childhood to the present day. I am using a stoneware clay, bisqued fired and left unglazed to simplify my stylized version of my recollection of each person. The halos of each individual represents the inspiration I received from their gardens, purpose or preservation.
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, reclaimed cheesecloth, papers, produce netting, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11-¼” x 11-½” x 5-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, reclaimed plastic and cardboard objects, wiring, peeled paint, car parts, vegetable mesh bags, cheesecloth, caulk, household paint on packaging board, laptop. Video of habitat filmed Spring 2024. 12” x 44” x 40” - AVAILABLE
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, wire, reclaimed mesh, produce netting, cheesecloth, Styrofoam, security and card envelopes, glitter, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 10” x 8-½” x 5” - AVAILABLE
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, wire, cheesecloth, paper, glitter, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 8-½” x 4-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, wire, cheesecloth, paper, glitter, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 8-½” x 4-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Stoneware, wire, little bluestem grass, oak branches, yarn, beads and charms. 19” x 12” x 7-½” - AVAILABLE FOR EXHIBITION (NFS)
Soil Saint Shayne
Shayne Naudi is a dear friend of mine who presently lives in Washington state. We met around 1997 while I was painting murals in a Los Angeles home while her horticultural care company was tending to the garden. We became instant buddies as we realized we both care passionately about the natural environment.
Her work restoring many gardens throughout Los Angeles is simply incredible. My favorite of all her gardens is her own in Tujunga, CA. Influenced by her Australian upbringing, bottlebrush shrubs create a lovely side garden while the backyard, once mostly vegetables, has become a native grass and wildflower habitat. The entire property is circled around the most beautiful Californian Live Oak around.
Her halo includes bottlebrush and live oak branches, bluestem grasses, beads and yarn from my salvaged collection. Her dog Lay, was such a super smart girl and would ride along with the crew to different garden projects.
Her most recent project in Washington is a beautiful display of all her creativity wrapped into one; a localized market created for the neighboring community. You can follow her voyage at @methcow
2025 Stoneware, wire, metal loop, longleaf pine needles, burlap, wax thread, acrylic paint. 17” x 17” x 5” - AVAILABLE
Soil Saint Lisa Lord
Lisa Lord, Conservation Programs Director with The Longleaf Alliance met me at the biggest Oxypolis canbyi (Canby’s Dropwort) population in South Carolina during the Summer of 2023. I listened to her discuss a needed prescribed burn in the area, ecological projects and her work with gopher frogs.
For 9 months, I could not get those Gopher frogs out of my brain. I needed to learn more. We met again in Spring of 2024 in a longleaf forest. We viewed native irises, wildflowers, bog ecosystems including pitcher plants, red-cockaded woodpeckers and of course, longleaf pines. I asked so many questions about endangered plants and wanted more information about the gopher frogs. So, the best way to explain it was to go to a healthy bog and view where and what the Carolina gopher frogs need to survive.
Four of my Surroundings exhibition pieces are influenced from the work Lisa and The Longleaf Alliance are working on.
2025 Stoneware, wire, wood, handmade paper, glue paste, acrylic paint, glass and metal beads, fabric. 14” x 9” x 5” - AVAILABLE
Soil Saint Frances
Frances Smythe was my dad’s mother who died three weeks after his birth. Although none of us knew her, she is definitely someone I identify with and have much admiration for her. She loved gardening. This sculpture is from a photo of her in the 1920’s. I look at it every day in my home and relate with her relaxed gaze as she stands in a flower garden.
My grandmother was training to be the first woman to swim the English Channel. She received many awards as a teenager for her swimming abilities. I would have loved to discuss my gardens with her and often wonder if she loved bog and aquatic plants like I do.
2025 Stoneware, wire, wood, handmade paper, glue paste, acrylic paint, grapevine, painted flag, thread, WWI metal, gold rose pin. 16” x 8” - AVAILABLE FOR EXHIBITION Courtesy of the Watson Estate (NFS)
Soil Saint Frank (Nonno)
My nonno (grandfather) Frank Barisano was a gentle giant in my youthful eyes. He spoke loudly because he lost part of his hearing while serving in World War 1. An immigrant from Italy, he made his way from NYC to Pittsburgh, PA.
I only knew my Italian grandparents for less than a decade, but their love for family, eating around the table and fresh food made an enormous impact on me. Nonno’s garden included tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and herbs. To this day, I still haven’t found Italian food as good as my grandparents. I’m not sure I truly appreciated it at the time, but mamma mia…I do now.
2025 Stoneware, wire, wood, handmade paper, glue paste, acrylic paint, vintage book covers, paper, binding cloth, beads, vintage belt buckle, temporary plant life, seeds. 17” x 14” x 7” - AVAILABLE
Soil Saint: Jane
Savannah, unlike any city I’ve ever lived in, is full of unique, creative and passionate people. Jane Fishman seemed to check every badass box.
She was a writer, gardener, traveler, social advocate, devoted partner and friend to so many. Honestly, if you’re reading this, you probably knew her better than me. You may think we initially bonded over gardening. Well, it was dancing.
We were both attending a party and I was fairly new to Savannah. I don’t remember the tune, but I just started dancing in the middle of the living room. Not full on grooving, but enough for Jane to walk across the room and join me.
Yes, we would chat at art events and parties, but it was often our conversations at Brighter Day or Whole Foods I remember most. Our gardening time clock was unison. We both would be a bit worn, had dirty knees from kneeling in the dirt and probably had a soil swipe on our face. We would nod in acknowledgement, talk about what we achieved in our gardens and then discuss what we were buying or preparing for dinner. Grocery shopping is just not the same, Savannah is just not the same.
2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, wire, wood, handmade paper, envelopes, glue paste, acrylic paint, chalk paint on cardboard. 16-¼” x 9” x 4” - AVAILABLE FOR EXHIBITION (NFS)
My Muse and the Redbud Tree
I am fortunate to have really good friends; from JK, who I’ve known most of my life, my LA friends, to my newer friends here in Savannah.
And then, there was Tiffany.
We became friends Freshman year at Columbus College of Art & Design. By Sophomore year, we were inseparable. Maybe it was our similar Northeastern Ohioan roots, or, our love for alternative music or maybe, when you meet the right person, it’s just that easy.
I learned how to make really good coffee from her {sorry to my Italian mom}.
We would discuss everything and her insight was so deep, thoughtful and inspiring. She is the kind of friend that while you’re discussing an idea, she builds on it rather than blurting “you should” advice, which is never wise to say to an artist.
I went West while she went home. We talked on the phone all the time. Our conversations about life, art, family and love are what I wish for every human to have. I think wars, violence and abuse would end, if everyone had a friend like Tiffany. You just feel loved.
While I was spending as much time as I could with my mom in her last months, Tiffany was not doing well. I’m still struggling with not driving my ass up there to see her. But, we still had our conversations. When my mom passed, Tiffany’s words kept me afloat.
Her daughter was graduating high school and wanted a tree. So, in my obsessive native plant way, I had a nursery plant a redbud tree in their yard. Tiffany’s husband sends me photos every Spring when it is blooming. The heart shaped leaves really do symbolize how much I love that family.
When you’re in your early 20’s, dancing to Siouxsie, The Cure and Run DMC with your bestie, you don’t think of the day they are no longer with you. But, something mysterious happened. As I finished the last brushstroke of this artwork, Book of Love’s “Lost In Your Eyes” came on my playlist. It’s like she said, “Okay, enough already Lisa…you’re finished, GO DANCE!” We both love that song!
This sculpture was mentally hard, but I needed to make it. “My Muse and the Redbud Tree”
(side 1) 2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, salvaged wood, cardboard, rice paper, glue paste, acrylic paint. 16-1/2” x 13” x 6” - AVAILABLE
(side 2) 2025 Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, salvaged wood, cardboard, rice paper, glue paste, acrylic paint. 16-1/2” x 13” x 6” - AVAILABLE
2025 Acrylic paint on bed sheet. Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, chalk and household paint, raffia, wood dowels, wire on constructed wood frame. 90-½” x 63” x 28” - AVAILABLE
2025 Acrylic paint on bed sheet. Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, chalk and household paint, raffia, wood dowels, wire on constructed wood frame. 90-½” x 63” x 28” - AVAILABLE
Mixed media installation started in 2019. Warming Warning Signs grows each year by adding another piece to the overall installation. Venues from 2019 - 2025 include: Sulfur Studios, The Florence County Museum, The Coastal Discovery Museum, The Gainesville Fine Arts Association, Ology Gallery AVAILABLE FOR EXHIBITION
An ongoing collection of artworks dedicated to endangered, threatened and rare species of animals, plants and the wildscapes that protect them.
My artworks have always depicted my concerns for the environment and its beings with a focus on human encroachment into natural areas. Maybe I’ve been too subtle these last few decades as we’ve watched more species die off and more areas be destroyed by the ever-hungry maw of human consumption.
In the past, illustrations of plant life were used by physicians, botanical scientists and gardeners for identification and classification. Unlike these illustrators who documented discoveries, I feel urgency to pay homage to plant life and our fellow animals...while supplies last.
2023 Envelope, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 14” x 14” - AVAILABLE
2023 Security envelopes, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 14” x 14” - AVAILABLE
2022 Paper, cardboard, lawn bag sleeve, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 40” x 31-½” - AVAILABLE
2022 Rice paper, cardboard, powdered marble, ink, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 40” x 31-1/2”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, cardboard, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 40” x 40” - AVAILABLE
2020 Shredded documents, craft and pastel paper, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12”
2020 Cement, powdered marble, pastel paper, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12” AVAILABLE
2020 Shredded documents, security & stationery envelopes, packaging paper sleeve, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, rice & pastel paper, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12” - AVAILABLE
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, security envelopes, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on salvaged panel. 12” x 12”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, rice paper, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, craft and pastel paper, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel . 12” x 12”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, security envelopes, junk mail flyer, pastel paper, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 12” x 12”
2020 Damaged photo copies, adhesive, acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 11-¼” x 9”
2020 Pastel paper, security envelopes, adhesive, acrylic paint on a salvaged pane. 11-¼” x 9”
2020 Pastel paper, cardboard, adhesive, acrylic paint on a salvaged panel. 11-¼” x 9”
2020 Security & manilla envelopes, rice paper, adhesive, household, aerosol & acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 20” x 144” - AVAILABLE
2020 Envelopes, glue paste, latex & acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 34” x 80” - AVAILABLE
2025 Paper, cardboard, glue paste, acrylic paint on wood. 46-½” x 22-½” - AVAILABLE
2017 Acrylic on panel. 52-½” x 21-½”
2023 Layout board, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2022 Cardboard, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2022 File folder, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2022 File folder, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2022 Paper, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2022 Cardboard, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2023 Cardboard, envelope, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾” - AVAILABLE AT THE JEPSON MUSEUM SHOP
2022 Envelope, file folders, powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 8-¾” x 8-¾”
2021 Acrylic paint on donated road sign with metal wall bracket. 29” x 33” (2 - sided) - AVAILABLE
2023 Mixed media. 8-¾” x 8-¾” (commission)
Bridges create an unnatural convenience for human mobility. I am always in awe when viewing these engineered structures and absolutely love to paint them.
I photograph neighboring spans along with sited extensions during my travels. I pay attention to it’s surroundings. What was there? What natural habitat did it cut through? What wildlife and flora still needs protected?
Jean Baudrillard explains my concerns: “Urbanization: As we continue to develop available geographical locations, we lose touch with any sense of the natural world.”
I do believe we can strike a balance between our need for infrastructure and our fragile wildlife habitats.
The bridge pieces (created 2014 - present) are cut to shape, collaged and painted. They are made with 95% reclaimed wood, paper. metal and fabric.
Please contact me if interested in prices or purchasing.
email: Ldw4art@gmail.com or phone: 843-290-9017
Images provided by ©LDW. All rights reserved.
2023 Paper, security envelope, shredded documents, powdered marble, glue paste, ink, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 34” x 35-½” - AVAILABLE
2018 Security and manilla envelopes, acrylic paint, ink, pencil, adhesive on reclaimed panel. 13” x 12”
2017 Security envelopes, adhesive, acrylic on scrap wood. 52-1/2” x 70”
2017 Concrete, security envelopes, photo copy, nail polish, adhesive, latex, oil and acrylic paint on reclaimed wood. 47” x 46-½”
Permanent Collection with The Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center
2017 Concrete, security envelopes, photo copy, rice paper, latex and acrylic paint on reclaimed wood. 49-¾” x 45-½” - AVAILABLE
2018 Security envelopes, dress net, acrylic paint, ink, pencil, adhesive on reclaimed panel. 14” x 19-½”
2020 Shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, cement, cardboard, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on salvaged wood . 40” x 40” - AVAILABLE
2019 Reclaimed security & stationary envelopes, cardstock, adhesive, ink and acrylic paint on wood. 20-3/4” x 17”
2016 Security envelopes, dress net, cheesecloth, plastic mesh bag, adhesive, acrylic paint on reclaimed board. 16” x 14-1/4”
Received Merit Award at the 2016 Savannah Point of View Exhibit
2016 Security envelopes, atlas pages, rice paper, concrete, acrylic paint, adhesive on reclaimed wood. 65” x 86” - AVAILABLE
2020 Cement, powdered marble, security envelopes, adhesive, acrylic paint on salvaged panel. 17-⅝” x 17-⅝” - AVAILABLE
2017 Wood scraps, concrete, dress net, security envelopes, graphite, adhesive, acrylic paint on panels. 4’ x 8’
2020 Cement, powdered marble, security envelopes, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on salvaged panel. 17-¾” x 24-½” - AVAILABLE
2018 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, acrylic paint, ink, pencil, adhesive on reclaimed panel. 12-¾” x 12”
2018 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, acrylic paint, ink, adhesive on reclaimed panel . 13-¾” x 12”
2015 Security envelopes, fabric, cheesecloth, catalog page, adhesive, acrylic on reclaimed board. 17-1/2” x 26-1/2”
2018 Concrete, acrylic & aerosol paint, glitter, colored pencil, ink on reclaimed wood. 40-1/4” x 34”
2014 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, photo copy, adhesive, acrylic paint on reclaimed boards. 2 panels: 15-3/8” x 14-3/4” each
2015 Security envelopes, concrete, acrylic and aerosol paint on board. 38” x 29”
2014 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, adhesive, acrylic and aerosol paint on reclaimed board. 21-1/2” x 14-1/4” - NFS
2015 Donated aluminum road sign, drywall tape, adhesive, acrylic and aerosol paint on board. 33” x 28-1/2”
2014 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, adhesive, acrylic on reclaimed board. 22” x 14-5/16”
2015 Security envelopes, cardboard, cheesecloth, donated aluminum road sign, adhesive, acrylic paint on board. 30” x 30-¾”
2015 Security envelopes, concrete, cheesecloth, adhesive, acrylic paint on board. 33” x 31”
2015 Security envelopes, concrete, adhesive, acrylic paint on panel. 34-1/2” x 32”
2015 Acrylic paint on reclaimed wood. 39” x 68 1/2”
2017 Concrete, security envelopes, digital photo, nail polish, ink, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on reclaimed wood. 53-¾” x 42-½” - AVAILABLE
2015 Security envelopes, rice paper, donated aluminum road sign, adhesive, acrylic and aerosol paint on board. 32-1/4” x 29-3/4”
2017 Cheesecloth, security envelopes, cardboard, honeycomb board, digital photo print, dimpled paper, nail polish, adhesive, aerosol and acrylic paint on found metal sheet. 32-1/4” x 29-3/4” - AVAILABLE
2017 Cheesecloth, plastic mesh bag, digital photo print, nail polish, glitter, adhesive, acrylic on reclaimed board. 11-3/4” x 12-1/2” - AVAILABLE
2017 Cheesecloth, plastic mesh bag, digital photo print, nail polish, glitter, adhesive, acrylic on reclaimed board. 12-1/2” x 11-3/4” - AVAILABLE
The materials I use in my work are intrinsic to the core of my subject matter. I can not display my narrative stories about our remaining fragile environments, human encroachment and the impact of human sprawl without my everyday practice of reusing materials to prevent unnecessary waste and consumption.
The artworks in these exhibitions are made from reclaimed materials such as industrial wood, shredded documents, donated road signs, mismatched hardware store paints, produce netting and an assortment of recycled papers such as security envelopes.
2025 Surroundings: Daydreaming In The Chaos - Ology Gallery, Thunderbolt, GA
2022-23 Avant Gardener - Nine MonthTouring Exhibition: Sulfur Studios, Savannah, GA; Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island, SC; Averitt Center For The Arts and IAB Gallery - Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
2021 While Supplies Last - Gallery Hop Atomica, Savannah, GA
2020 Cemento Armato - Florence County Museum, Florence, SC
2020 Deer Humans - Studios of Key West, Key West, FL
2018-19 Avanguardia - Fine Arts Gallery at Georgia Southern University (Armstrong), Savannah, GA
2018 After Hours - In Vino Veritas, Savannah, GA - Curated by Sulfur Studios
2018 Interurban - Brassworks w/ Imlay Gallery, Montclair, NJ
2017-18 Avanguardia - Telfair Museum’s Jepson Center For The Arts, Savannah, GA.
2015 City Transversed - Savannah City Hall Rotunda Gallery, Savannah, GA
Images provided by ©LDW All rights reserved.
(pictured: Soil Saint Jane and a live plant garden
Ology Gallery
Ology Gallery
Ology Gallery
First, Hurricane Helene flooded Asheville. All of my friends that live there were affected. Then, just a few days before installation of my solo exhibition, Surroundings, the fires broke out in Los Angeles. Friends lost homes.
I was distraught and asked the curator of Ology Gallery, Wendy Melton, if I can create a mural to help me get through yet another effect from climate change. This one hit my friends so I needed artistic therapy.
Coastal Discovery Museum
Sulfur Studios
Sulfur Studios
Opening reception at The Averitt Center for the Arts
Avanguardia Exhibition at The Jepson Center - Telfair Museum
Photograph by Siobhan Egan
Avanguardia Exhibition at The Jepson Center - Telfair Museum
Photo by Siobhan Egan
Avanguardia Exhibition at The Jepson Center - Telfair Museum
Avanguardia Exhibition at The Jepson Center - Telfair Museum
Avanguardia Exhibition at The Jepson Center - Telfair Museum
Convergence was purchased in 2018 for the Jepson Center’s Permanent Collection
Story written by Rachael Flora
The Florence County Museum - Waters Gallery
Cemento Armato Exhibition at The Florence County Museum
Deer Humans Exhibition at The Studios of Key West
The Studios of Key West (pictured: 98.2%)
Studios of Key West.
These plant and animals illustrated are on the U.S. Endangered List. While Supplies Last is my continuous series of works dedicated to threatened species throughout the United States.
Antidotes Residency at Sulfur Studios.
Interurban Exhibition
Imlay Gallery at Brassworks.
Avanguardia Exhibition at Georgia Southern - Armstrong Campus
Gallery Hop Atomica
Human fragmentation vs. nature. I’m rooting for nature!
Pictured are mixed media works from 2014 to the present.
In 2025, I introduced my new series, What Is and What May Have Been, which premiered during my Surroundings exhibition at Ology Gallery. These particular pieces are 11” x 9-½”.
2025 Security envelopes, cardboard, glue paste, ink, glitter, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Security envelopes, construction paper, glue paste, powdered marble, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Wood, acrylic paint, glue on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Envelope, glue paste, marker, colored pencil, glitter, chalk mineral and acrylic paints on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Security envelope, mesh, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Security envelope, cardboard, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Paper, glue paste, marker, colored pencil, powdered marble, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Security envelopes, cardboard, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Security envelope, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Cardboard, security envelopes, glue paste, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Cardboard folder, various envelopes, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Glitter, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Security envelope, paper, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½”
2025 Cardboard, glue paste, pen, colored pencil, acrylic paint on reclaimed board. 11” x 9-½” - AVAILABLE
2025 Security envelopes, magazine clippings, cardboard, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on board. 11” x 9-½” - AVAILABLE
2017 Wood scraps, newsprint, paper grocery bag, rice paper, cardboard, security envelopes, beverage box, pastel paper, glitter, adhesive, aerosol and acrylic paint on reclaimed wood. 48” x 48”
Savannopoly Exhibition - Location Gallery
Reclaimed mixed media
2021 Cardboard, dress net, digital prints, glitter, adhesive, aerosol and acrylic paint, lacquer on donated aluminum road sign 18” x 12”
2021 Cardboard, dress net, digital prints, security envelope, glitter, concrete, adhesive, acrylic paint, lacquer on donated aluminum road sign. 18” x 12”
2018 Collected litter, reclaimed cardboard & dress net, adhesive, graphite, ink, acrylic on panel. 40” x 30”
Atlas pages, rice paper, cardboard, cheesecloth, adhesive, ink, acrylic paint on found metal. 25” x 24”
2018 Phonebook & atlas pages, scrap paper & cardboard, rice paper, security envelope, drywall tape, linen, scrap wood, acrylic paint, adhesive on donated aluminum road sign. 30” × 24”
2017 Rice paper, damaged photo copy, card stock, glitter, ink, adhesive, acrylic & aerosol paint on panel. 49” x 36-½” -AVAILABLE
2014 Atlas pages, adhesive, ink, acrylic paint on plastered wood 28” x 22”
2020 Recycled cardboard and paper, glue paste, household and acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 20” x 20”
2018 Security envelopes, cheesecloth, adhesive, ink, acrylic paint on reclaimed panel. 10-3/8” x 11- 1/8”
Reclaimed mixed media - Commission
Acrylic paint, vinyl on reclaimed wood. 19” x 15-1/4” - Commission
2018 Security envelope, plastic book cover, adhesive, acrylic on reclaimed panel. 10-3/8” x 11- 1/8”
Reclaimed security envelopes and paper, adhesive, ink and acrylic paint on wood. 10-½” x 6-¼”
2015 Paper, fabric, glue, acrylic paint on metal. 30” x 30”
2025 Paper, glue paste, acrylic paint on wood. 46-½” x 22-½” - AVAILABLE
Once covering over 92 million acres in the Southern U.S., only 4.3 million acres of Longleaf Pine Forests remain. The Longleaf Pine ecosystem provides critical habitat for 29 threatened species.
In October of 2021, I was invited to survey a Longleaf Pine Forest somewhere in Georgia. The artwork grew in an attempt to share the stunning forest and all that I observed. I did not see an Eastern Indigo Snake nor a Gopher Tortoise but I did see a Tortoise’s burrow! The following plant list is from my observations and depicted in Field of Vision.
Longleaf Pine - Pinus palustris
Frost Aster - Symphyotrichum pilosum
Gallberry Holly - Ilex glabra
Yellow Pitcher plant - Sarracenia flava
Leafless Coreopsis - Coreopsis leavenworthii
Hooded Pitcher Plant - Sarracenia minor
Beautyberry - Callicarpa americana L.
White Thoroughwort - Eupatorium album L. var. album
Catbells - Baptisia perfoliata
Maryland Golden Aster - Chrysopsis mariana
Grasses such as Lovegrass, Muhly, Bluestem and Panicum
2022 Salvaged materials: layout board, poster board, envelopes, lawn bag sleeve, file folders, mesh, toile, batting, styrofoam, used cheesecloth, muslin, cork, produce mesh bag, paint chips, household paint.
Other materials: powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint and acrylic polymer emulsion
4’ x 36’
For more information, please go to the website courtesy of The 2023 Digital Humanities class at Georgia Southern: https://georgiasouthern.libguides.com/c.php?g=1265902&p=9601175
On display at The Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head, SC
The process of gathering my research photos and collaging them to together to create a 36 foot piece.
Paint colors and texture samples exhibition design courtesy of the 2023 Digital Humanities class at Georgia Southern.
Collage sketch detail.
Detail.
Detail.
Eco-conscious & art-full spaces
Since 2008
Plan It Green Design, LLC is headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. Our mission is to bring back native plant, tree and insect species to gardens in the Southeastern United States.
We emphasize native plant function over form! Does the flora species provide nectar for insects, food for caterpillars, birds, wildlife and/or mankind.
GARDENS
- Consultations for removal invasive plants, trees and lawns - Rain catchment systems and rain garden design - Xeriscape and drought tolerant garden design - Native botanical plant curation for temperature zones 6 - 10 in the Southeastern United States - Plant healthcare and maintenance instructions - Custom planters
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES
- Hardscape design and calculation - Creative ideas for reusing and reclaiming materials - Mural design and installation - Sculpture and trellis design
INDOOR LIVING SPACES
- Artwork consultation - Mural design and faux finishes
Mural and Garden Design locations: Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Hilton Head, Atlanta, Savannah
Prior to Plan It Green Design, Lisa owned LDW Designs in Los Angeles, CA. specializing in murals, faux finishes and decorating homes. Her residential clients includes, Brad Garrett, MC Lyte, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, Mary Kay Andrews, film writers, designers, teachers, realtors and business owners.
Contact Owner & Design Director, Lisa if interested in a garden or art-full consultation.
Images provided by ©LDW
All rights reserved.
Project DeRenne: the Plan It Green Design experimental garden
Savannah, Georgia
Front Walkway
Design using reclaimed bricks and granite cores along with Tennessee flagstone.
Reclaimed brick and granite cores.
During my On::View Residency at Sulfur Studios, I imagined ways of balancing urban sprawl with nature.
Photo by Siobhan Egan
Savannah, Georgia
When removing concrete to make way for a more pervious driveway, we salvaged this pieces into a sitting bench.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Designed flower beds using native and drought tolerant foliage
Photo by Siobhan Egan
Tybee Island, Georgia
Design and supervised paver patio for enclosed jacuzzi.
Midtown Savannah: the pond was there but needed invasive plant removal which took patience. Now it is planted with native plant species for bog and pond conditions.
Design and supervised reclaimed brick walkways with handicap accessibility.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Using my client's sunset view as inspiration, I color consulted fabric choices and style.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Installed flagstone around our client's fire pit. Added an accent star using reclaimed granite cores.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Designed and supervised installation of permeable paver driveway and walkways.
Savannah, Georgia
Working with fellow artist, we sculpted concrete boulders around salvaged bricks from their construction. Each one is shaped for seating. We painted the boulders to look real.
Photo by Siobhan Egan
Tybee Island, Georgia
Designed vegetable planters with climbing trellis.
Savannah, Georgia
Designed and supervised installation of walkways, fire pit and raised herb planter. (not quite done)
Installing coconut liner to stabilize. Native and salt tolerant plants going in soon.
Savannah, Georgia
Re-set and added bricks to their backyard oasis.
Savannah, GA
Recycled granite rescued from dumpster. This pathway leads from the driveway to the front door.
Van Nuys, CA
Midtown Savannah: Grass removal, new fence, native trees, grasses and flowers.
This collection is nicknamed, My Gardenmates and was created during my Clayer & Co. artist residency in collaboration with Ology Gallery in Thunderbolt, Georgia.
Underglaze stoneware/earthenware, acrylic paint.
2025 5-½” x 4”
2025 8” x 4-¾” - side 1 (NFS)
2025 8” x 4-¾” - side 2 (NFS)
2025 Ceramic, wire, glue paste, rice paper. 6-½” x 4”
2025 7-½” x 3-¾”
2025 6-½” x 6”
2025 6” x 4-½”
2025 6” x 8” - AVAILABLE AT THE JEPSON MUSEUM SHOP
2025 5-½” x 4”
2025 5-½” x 4-¾”
2025 4-½” x 4-¼”
2025 5-¾” x 4-¾” x 4” - AVAILABLE AT THE JEPSON MUSEUM SHOP
2025 4-¼” x 3”
2025 6-¾” x 5” AVAILABLE AT THE JEPSON MUSEUM SHOP
Ology Gallery. Curated by Wendy Melton.
2025 Paper, glue paste, acrylic paint on salvaged wood. 8-½” x 37-½” - AVAILABLE
What happens when your lifelong obsession with protecting natural habitats meets a sustainable artistic practice? When art and science cross paths?
Conservation and Reclamation!
Working with conservation groups has been the most rewarding part of my career. Their knowledge has helped both my artistic practice and garden knowledge grow in ways I never imagined.
Groups I am working with include:
The Georgia Native Plant Society
The Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance
The Longleaf Alliance
Conservation Lectures available include:
Native Plants as Larval Hosts
The Seven Great Garden Blunders
Mixed Media Self-Portrait Eco-vents & Essays
Ongoing project: 1989 - 2025
In collaboration with The Averitt Center for the Arts , Statesboro, GA.
Photo taken after Lisa’s The Seven Great Garden Blunders lecture for the Avid Gardeners Club in Hilton Head Island, SC.
…somewhere in South Carolina
…somewhere in South Carolina
1989 Self Portrait - 1989 Lithograph print on paper. 15” x 12.5”
Sparkly Vexation (Where In The Flying F### Did My Balloon Go?) - 2022 Mylar, polypropylene ribbon, glitter, glue paste, colored pencil on lithograph print. 15” x 12.5”
Please, Leave The Leaves - 2023 Reclaimed papers, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint on lithograph print. 15” x 12.5”
Invasion of the Habitat Snatchers - 2025 Security envelopes, papers, glue paste, colored pencil, acrylic paint, on lithograph print. 15” x 12.5”
The artworks shown here are available for purchase.
I will deliver big items within 100 miles. Any shipping costs will be determined after sale.
Please send me an email if you have any questions or would like to make a purchase: Ldw4art@gmail.com
53-¾” x 42-½” - concrete, security envelopes, digital photo, nail polish, ink, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on reclaimed wood - 2017
$2,500.00
12” x 12” - cement, powdered marble, pastel paper, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel - 2020
$300.00
12” x 12” - shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, rice & pastel paper, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on a salvaged panel - 2020
$300.00
40” x 40” - shredded documents, acrylic Corian shavings, cardboard, glitter, adhesive, household & acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 2020
$2,250.00
4’ x 36’ - Salvaged materials: layout board, poster board, envelopes, lawn bag sleeve, file folders, mesh, toile, batting, styrofoam, used cheesecloth, muslin, cork, produce mesh bag, paint chips, household paint
Other materials: powdered marble, glue paste, acrylic paint and acrylic polymer emulsion
Price and Installation fee upon request
Linocut print on painted salvaged cardboard, security and note card envelopes, pulverized glass and glue paste - 41 x 24 or can be displayed in a 48” row - 2022
$1,600.00
27-½” x 67-½” - papers, security envelopes and wood, toile, glue paste, colored pencils, acrylic paint on salvaged chipboard - 2022
$5600.00
20” x 144” - Security & manila envelopes, rice paper, glue paste, household, aerosol & acrylic paint on salvaged wood - 2020
$4,000.00
17-⅝” x 17-⅝”- cement, powdered marble, security envelopes, adhesive, acrylic paint on salvaged panel - 2020
$765.00
49” x 36-1/2” - rice paper, damaged photo copy, card stock glitter, ink, adhesive, acrylic & aerosol paint on panel - 2017
$1850.00
49-¾” x 45-½” - concrete, security envelopes, photo copy, rice paper, latex and acrylic paint on reclaimed wood - 2017
$2,100.00
30” x 24” - phone book & atlas pages, scrap paper & cardboard, rice paper, security envelope, drywall tape, linen, scrap wood, acrylic paint, adhesive on donated aluminum road sign - 2018
SOLD
39“ x 14-½” security envelopes, vintage magazine, powdered marble, adhesive, acrylic paint, ink on reclaimed board - 2019
$750.00
39“ x 14-½” security envelopes, vintage magazine, powdered marble, adhesive, acrylic paint, ink on reclaimed board - 2019
$750.00
Holga photograph framed in white frame. 22 x 26” framed. 2002 - 2019
$275.00
Holga photograph framed in white frame. 22 x 26” framed. 2002 - 2019
SOLD
