Madre Tierra at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Interview by Janet Neurauter, Mission Advancement, Holy Wisdom Monastery

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Issis Macias, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was taught that education was the path to a secure future. “My parents instilled the values of hard work, building a stable career, and being self-sufficient,” she said. As a result, Issis attended UCLA, majoring in Political Science before earning a Master’s in Public Administration. She worked as a water resources manager for a municipal utility in Anaheim, California, where she upheld the belief that water is life and conservation is critical to sustaining communities.

During a period of personal transition in 2012, Issis began exploring the art scene in downtown Los Angeles. “I was like a sponge, taking it all in. It was my first time creating art as an adult, and it became a form of meditation and play. At the time, I never imagined it would become my full-time profession.”

In 2016, Issis’s fiancé was offered a faculty position at UW–Madison, and they relocated to Wisconsin. “I fell in love with the lakes and the way nature feels so present here. The pace was much slower than Los Angeles, and that shift created a kind of space I didn’t even realize I needed.”

After moving, Issis continued her exploration of intuitive abstraction and works primarily with acrylics and oil pastels. “I had been so cerebral in the past. Abstract art is really about freedom and expression in color and texture. It is completely emotive and cathartic.” Over time, her practice deepened. In 2020, as she entered motherhood during the pandemic, art moved to the center of her life, expanding into a space of reflection, healing, and transformation.

In this exhibition, Issis honors her connection to the natural world and her Mexican heritage. “In my culture, Madre Tierra is a living presence who supports, heals, and guides. This exhibition celebrates all Mother Earth gives to us and reminds us that we can always find refuge in her.”

As a mother herself, Issis finds inspiration in her daughter, mother, and grandmothers. “Through the artistic expression of my own heritage and matrilineal lineage, I hope viewers find a place to pause, reconnect, and remember that we belong to something larger and timeless.”

The exhibition will be on display in the Monastery Gathering Area from May 6 – July 7, 2026. A reception will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, 6–8 PM, with an artist talk at 6:30 PM. The event is free and open to all. Registration is appreciated.

Gallery hours: Tuesday – Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM (excluding holidays), and Sunday 10–11 AM.