Lisa Teasley
Award-winning Author
Lisa Teasley is a multifaceted L.A.-based writer and artist whose journey in storytelling and visual art has left an indelible mark on the literary and artistic landscapes.
Lisa Teasley Bio
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Lisa Teasley’s fascination with storytelling began at a young age when she discovered the world of books through her school and neighborhood libraries. This early passion for narratives eventually led her to become an award-winning author and an accomplished visual artist.
Teasley's literary career took flight during her time at UCLA, where she studied English literature and Creative Writing. Her first book, the captivating story collection Glow in the Dark (2002), received critical acclaim and secured her prestigious awards such as the Gold Pen and Pacificus Foundation honors. She followed this success with two thought-provoking novels, Dive (2004) and Heat Signature (2006), both of which delved into complex themes of gender, race, intercultural dynamics, and justice.
Teasley's contributions to the literary world are not confined to her works alone. She has also played a significant role as the Senior Editor for Fiction at the Los Angeles Review of Books, further solidifying her place as a respected figure in the literary community.
As an artist, Lisa Teasley's talents extend beyond the written word. She has exhibited her paintings in prestigious venues such as the Watts Towers Art Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Rental & Sales Gallery. Her participation in the art collective "HowDoYouSayYaminAfrican?" showcased her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
With her upcoming story collection FLUID set to be released in September 26, Lisa Teasley continues to captivate readers with her piercing insights into the human condition. Her stories, set in various locales and eras, offer a compelling exploration of the challenges that have shaped humanity's past and continue to influence our future.
Now, Teasley's creative brilliance takes center stage in a groundbreaking project, THE PASSION OF NELL. This remarkable opera, commissioned by LBO, transports audiences into the real-life true-crime story of Nell Theobald, a young model and singer whose life took a harrowing turn during a fateful encounter with a lion on a car commercial set. Teasley's evocative libretto weaves a gripping narrative that explores obsession, devotion, and the transformative power of art.