The black draped walls are the background for the scene - at least thirty children from four weeks to eighteen years old with various adults standing by. There’s crying, there’s cajoling, there’s coaxing. And in the middle of the sea of kids stands a petite woman, smiling, holding a baby in each arm, basking in the chaos. And so begins a typical day in the life of artist, writer, philanthropist, wife and mother Alisa Murray.

Artist in the Making

Born and raised in North Carolina the oldest of five children, Alisa’s interest in the art world began at an early age. As a child, she studied ballet for 14 years, sang in the church choir, studied piano and trombone and began winning art awards in the fourth grade. Losing her mother in a tragic accident at eight years old left an indelible impression on the young artist, but fortunately, her grandmother, affectionately referred to as “Nana,” remained a constant in Alisa’s life. Perhaps her most staunch supporter, Nana saw Alisa graduate from St. Mary’s College in 1990 with an Associates in Liberal Arts degree and begin her life as an artist.

The year 1990 was a pivotal year for twenty year old Alisa. She had her first art exhibition showcasing her paintings, moved to Savannah, Georgia to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design and married the love of her life, Brian Murray. “I’ve known Brian all my life,” recalled Alisa. “We rode the school bus together every day since we were five years old.”

Victoria Ann and Brian Murray
Alisa and James Edward Murray

The Perfect Partnership

Brian and Alisa are still together every day, both as parents to eleven year old Victoria Ann and six year old James Edward, and in their partnership with Alisa Murray Photography. “We complete each other in a very funky way,” said Brian of working alongside his wife. “It’s the perfect, cooperative partnership. Our skill sets don’t conflict. It’s like being behind the scenes making it all happen with the ultimate David Lee Roth out front.”

Alisa’s talent, which ranges from portrait artist to interior design to columnist to painter to sculptor, is at the forefront of this partnership. A true Renaissance woman, Alisa Murray either has, or has plans to, accomplish virtually every medium in the world of art. Perhaps best known as a portrait photographer, Alisa began her journey documenting the lives of children and families eleven years ago. Her first subject: six month old Victoria Ann.

As a first-time mom, Alisa wanted to document Victoria Ann’s life, so she packed up her baby girl and went to see her Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim, brother to Alisa’s mother, had been a successful portrait photographer for many years in East Texas and passed on to Alisa two very precious gifts. The first was photographs of Alisa’s mother. Losing her mother at such a young age, Alisa didn’t have many photographs, and she treasured her uncle’s gift. “I realized that pictures are all you have left. They were – and are – very precious to me.”

The second gift that Uncle Jim passed on to Alisa was recognition of her talent as a portrait artist, and most importantly, the inspiration and knowledge to pursue her talent. “Uncle Jim was shooting Victoria Ann, and I would tell him when to take the shot,” recalled Alisa. “He finally looked at me and said, ‘You’re a photographer.’” With Uncle Jim’s support and guidance, Alisa picked up a camera and started shooting. He came to Sugar Land and mentored Alisa in the art of portrait photography. Her very first effort, a session with Victoria Ann, landed her a cover on the Kid’s Directory, a local publication.

At the time, Brian and Alisa had moved to Houston and were working in real estate with the Murray family. Alisa felt like something was missing. She had essentially given up her art. She was no longer painting, doing interior design or even planning weddings, which she had done for a few years as a wedding consultant for Busy Brides of Houston. Fortunately, Uncle Jim had seen her dilemma, recognized her talent, and inspired her to master a new art form. She now had a baby to care for and wanted to have a career where she could be there to raise Victoria Ann and treasure all of the motherhood moments. Once Alisa picked up the camera and started shooting, she knew she could balance – and succeed at – being an artist, mother and wife. Alisa felt she was “doing exactly what God had intended me to do.”

Alisa forged her signature brand early on shooting babies and maternity photos. With the help of friend and celebrated Houston wedding photographer Tomas Ramos, she developed her signature style of hands holding newborn babies on a black background. “I wanted to document the lives of children and their families,” explained Alisa. “Portraits tell a story – they leave a legacy for the future. I wanted to capture the spirit of each child and leave a legacy for their family.”

Alisa began shooting friends and clients in their Sugar Land home, and soon, both Brian and Alisa realized that it was time to make a move. “We needed more space – some outdoor space – where I could shoot clients in a variety of natural settings.” So, the couple moved to Fort Bend County, took a few clients with them and developed a client base that Alisa affectionately refers to as “The Alisa Murray Family.”

The Alisa Murray Family

Barefoot, clad in blue jeans with her hair piled high on her head and camera in hand, Alisa lies flat on her stomach. “Giggle for Auntie Alisa,” she says. “Show me your giggle.” She is literally on the ground playing with an infant and remarkably capturing the child’s spirit as she plays, cries and giggles. The outcome? Breath-taking photographs that make you laugh, make you smile, and touch your heart.

“Alisa captures the essence of who they are, rather than just taking a pretty picture of your child,” said Crystal Laman, long-time friend and client of Alisa’s. “She takes the time to capture your child’s spirit, no matter how long it takes.”

And it can be lengthy when you’re talking about infant photography. There’s breaks for naps, bottles and diaper changes, and Alisa is the first one to step forward and give a child what it needs. “These children know me. They know that coming to see Auntie Alisa is all about fun. I develop a relationship with the children and their families. It’s all about them being comfortable, feeling like they’re at home.”

“You’re family when you come through this door,” said Bonnie Alvarez. Alisa has been shooting Bonnie’s family for six years. “The unique gift that Alisa has is that she captures your whole child. People are in awe of your photos – they’re art.”

Spreading Her Artistic Wings

With the growth and success of Alisa Murray Photography, in true Alisa fashion, the artist felt it was time to once again spread her creative wings. She had become one of Houston’s most sought after portrait artists, and her clientele thrived featuring many well-known Texans. In 2006, Alisa began writing a column called “Living the Sweet Life” for Fort Bend Focus Magazine. Filled with stories from her childhood, personal triumphs and tribulations and advice from a mom, business owner and wife, the column received an avid following and won First Place for the Best Original Column from the Texas Community Newspapers Association.

“Writing is a creative outlet for me and it’s like a ministry to me – another way that I can touch people’s lives,” said Alisa. “My goal is to touch people’s lives through all of my projects – my photography and my columns.”

Alisa has now expanded her writing to include a column called “Woman to Woman” featured in Focus on Women Magazine, page 46, along with speaking engagements to inspire women in balancing – and having – it all. Her first speaking engagement will be at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital at their “Girls’ Night Out” on Thursday, August 27th.

Alisa with Dr. Nicholas Desai at Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugar Land.

Art and Philanthropy

Working with Memorial Hermann Hospital is not new to Alisa. In 2003, Alisa developed the Hope & Inspiration Calendar for surviving mothers of breast cancer. Now in its’ seventh edition, the calendar is sponsored by Drs. Nicholas and Nina Desai and Memorial Hermann and features photographs of mothers who are also cancer survivors with their children.

“This project has meant so much to me,” said Alisa. “I have met so many wonderful women and through the calendar, we have the ability to share their story of hope.”

Of course, the photographs featured in the calendar are in the Alisa Murray tradition: inspiring, creative, moving and thought-provoking. The Hope & Inspiration Calendars are available on Alisa’s website (www.alisamurray.com). Proceeds from the calendars benefit the non-resource patient funding program at Memorial Hermann. In addition to the calendar, the hospital is host to an exhibit of Alisa’s work featuring her signature infant photography.

Giving back is an integral part of Alisa’s philosophy. A few years ago after a friend was diagnosed with cancer, Alisa began donating her time and talent to photographing children with cancer.

“When you lose a child to cancer, pictures are what you have left. They are precious. If I can be a part of documenting a child’s life that was brutally cut short by this horrible disease, I can leave a precious keepsake for their family.”

The Next Chapter

Award-winning columnist, nationally recognized portrait artist, philanthropist, inspirational speaker, wife and mother – what’s next for Alisa Murray?

“I went to Paris and spent a couple of days in a cemetery fascinated by the ornate and unique doors,” said Alisa. In Parisian cemeteries, loved ones are interred in above ground tombs with doors. Alisa shot the doors and is creating a “Doors to Heaven” series of spiritual photographs.

She recently shot a black and white series of trees from different locations and perspectives – at the George Ranch, after Hurricane Ike, in Paris and Austin – and is creating a Georgia O’Keefe style series. “They are black and white with sensual undertones. They’re very unique.”

And if that’s not enough, Alisa is returning to her roots painting a series of three 50” x 72” panels depicting Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” She plans to place her unique interpretation of the fall of man, along with her new photography series, on exhibit in the Houston area.

“Butter” from Lucy, The Little Lavender Butterfly created by Victoria Ann and mom.
James Edward’s feet in Nana’s hands. The image is featured on the cover of New Skin, Old Skin.

The writer in Alisa has inspired her to tackle other writing projects as well, and this time, she has a co-artist. “Victoria Ann has created a butterfly named ‘Butter’ and she’s the main character in Lucy, The Little Lavender Butterfly.” The book inspires children to be true to themselves by celebrating individuality. Additionally, the mother/daughter duo is collaborating on a series of children’s books about the world of photography. Victoria Ann, Little Cowgirl is a mixed medium of photography and drawings, and the series of ten books is designed to introduce children to photography and peak their interest in the art form.

Alisa has also photographed a series of children with their grandparents for a project called New Skin, Old Skin. The book features love letters from grandparents to their grandchildren, and as a loving tribute to her grandfather, a portion of the proceeds supports Alzheimer’s research.

While the list of Alisa’s artistic projects constantly grows, it’s always family first for this Southern Belle. “I still cook dinner, read to my children at night, and watch them perform skits in the living room,” said the proud mom. “I’m blessed to have a career where I can be with them every day.”

And being around a mother, and father, every day who are well-rounded artists has an affect on Victoria Ann and James Edward. Music, art and dance fill the Murray household. Brian plays the guitar, James Edward plays the drums, Alisa plays the piano and Victoria Ann sings. “James Edward has been painting since he was four,” said Alisa who converted a room in their home as an art studio especially for the children. “We focus on art and creativity in our home. The kids are constantly making up plays and putting on concerts.”

Alisa has made her mark as an artist in so many variations, and as her creative outlets continue to thrive, her signature style will undoubtedly make lasting and meaningful impressions yet to come. So what is her philosophy on living the sweet life? “First, you do what you love. Second, be the best at whatever you do and know in your heart that the only person you are in competition with is yourself. And finally, don’t live your life with regrets.”

This modern day Renaissance woman’s philosophy is evident in everything that she does, and she strives to share her gift with others. “I know that what I’m doing is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s a blessing.” And we’re so glad that she shares her blessing in so many ways, with so many of us.

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