Year 12 student Lizzie’s photography has won recognition in the US Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2021. Her photo ‘Are Those Goats?’ (pictured below) won a National Silver Medal and a Regional Gold Key, and was displayed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Her photo ‘Patience is a Virtue’ received a Silver Key and will be exhibited at The Met this spring. Her photos, ‘A Covid Sunset’ and ‘Solitude’ also received Honors.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the US’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition programme for creative teens. Notable alumni include Andy Warhol and Stephen King.
Lizzie was also a Finalist in the Young Travel Photographer of the Year Competition (aged 15-18) in 2020. Lizzie developed a love of photography and travel at a young age, taking her inspiration from the different places she visited, as well as New York where she lived prior to coming to CLC.
Lizzie donates any money she raises from the sales of her photographs to myFace, a non-profit organisation dedicated to changing the faces, and transforming the lives, of children and adults with facial differences. Lizzie was born with grade 3 microtia and aural atresia, and has undergone multiple surgeries.
Lizzie explains how she developed a love of photography and why it is important to her:
“While my interest in photography started when I was just six, it was more than just an artistic outlet for me. It has been a medium that has allowed me to express myself and become my form of communication, especially when verbal communication has sometimes been a challenge for me. Whether it’s shooting animals, portraits, travel and street scenes, I think photos can really speak 1,000 words.
I began looking for ways to spread awareness about my craniofacial condition because I wanted to help others get the same support that I received. myFace’s mission means so much to me, as they are there to provide a network of support and important resources for craniofacial patients and families like mine. It seemed fitting that I would use my photography, which is such an expression of who I am, to give back to an organisation that helps kids impacted by craniofacial differences like me. 100% of the proceeds from every photograph I sell will go to support myFace.”
Lizzie’s winning photographs and full details of the awards she has won can be seen on her website.