Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Reed-Preston.
Hi Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up a military kid, we moved all the time. I had to learn early to be open to new experiences and go with the flow. That mindset has afforded me so many varied opportunities that may not have otherwise surfaced. I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but my boyfriend did. He wanted to be a musician, and he was good, so I figured I would help him. That led to a degree in audio engineering and music business, a degree in Marketing, and 15 years in the music business, doing everything from working in and managing recording studios to being an on-air talent, producer, and programmer on Satellite Radio. When an economic downturn and a merger changed my career trajectory, I started volunteering in a friend’s classroom, which led to 10 years as a middle school STEM and Robotics teacher. But teacher burnout is real, and after 10 years, I needed a change, so I learned Python and SQL and became a data analyst and now Scrum Master.
Since I was a kid, though, my passion was art and design, but it was never a practical option, and life was too consuming for frivolity. For years I neglected my creative side, relying on freelance graphic design gigs to feed my soul. It didn’t. After I quit teaching, I started making art again. This time, something different happened. It was a natural abstract expression that felt so comfortable. But what if I could mix my love for art and technology? So, I started experimenting.
Making videos was part of the promotional work I had done previously, so using those skills and my original fine art to create augmented reality was an obvious next step. My curiosity has led me from there to make virtual reality art as well. The VR art is still conceptual, but I am excited to be able to share it one day.
Recently I became part of Nashville Arts and Business Council’s Periscope program, which promotes arts entrepreneurship, and I am so excited to be focused on my art. I have my first solo gallery show in September at Sig Held Gallery in Bellevue, which will be focused on my augmented reality art and will be part of the Artsclamation! Show in October.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It seems there are always struggles. Some are minor annoyances, and some that you think will take you out. At the moment, they may all seem equally impossible. I have lived through a spring blizzard in Boston, 9/11, the East Coast Blackout, an economic downturn, and The Nashville flood, and through it all, I learned:
1. It always works out. Maybe not how you wanted or thought, but it always works out. Somehow.
2. Work hard to get lucky.
3. When it gets tough, dance your way through it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work has been focused recently on augmented and virtual reality art. Creating the acrylic mixed media painting is the first step in the process. Once the textures, colors, and balance are right, creating the complimentary augmented reality experience begins. I create the augmentations that bring the artwork to life using Adobe After Effects and similar programs. My husband and business partner Josh Preston composes and records music to accompany the piece.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Being so mobile as a kid had its benefits and drawbacks. In addition to making me adaptable, I learned to be outgoing and met people easily. On the downside, friendships did not last long, so nurturing relationships was always difficult. Living in Nashville for nearly the last 20 years has helped me build roots in a community I could never have.
I look forward to growing that network!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matmcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matmcreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MATMCreative/
