LIZ GARDNER
Liz developed an interest in photography and travel early in life. As a teenager she was impressed by the vivid colours and interesting faces of the West African markets that she visited. On a three month overland trip to Nepal in 1975 she had plenty of time to photograph the landscapes and communities she saw on her journey.... but only had five films and an instamatic to use !
On moving to London in 1980, Liz started her black and white photography. She developed an interest in photographing landscapes and people within the environment closer to home.
In 1983, her desire to travel again took her to Lima, Peru where she lived and worked as teacher until 1990. Liz was able to travel extensively throughout Peru and Latin America. Despite the poverty and hardship of many of the communities, she was captivated by the people and their lives and the scenes around her. She regularly visited the Andean villages, with their varied costumes and cultures. Markets, religion, festivals, crafts and agriculture all form the daily life of the villages.
Although many of the people are reticent about being photographed, Liz has never paid people to pose for her. During the years she spent in Peru Liz found it increasingly difficult to photograph purely as an observer, without becoming involved in their life.
Since her return to England in 1990, she has lived in Kingston upon Thames and has continued to photograph scenes closer to home. She is a member of the Anglo-Peruvian Society, and is committed to help improve the lives of the people of Peru, through this organisation.
Liz has exhibited widely.