From age 15-18 I studied the Old Masters approach to drawing & painting in an apprenticeship in Sea Cliff NY, under a protégée of Norman Rockwell, and continued my education at Washington University in St Louis, MO. as a student of painting and art history. It was while attending a class in painting on fabric at Penland School of Craft in NC that I found the work that would be my life’s passion. Many of my designs are inspired by painters throughout history spanning eras from Hokusai of Japan’s Edo period, to Frescoes in Pompeii, Botticelli, to Paul Klee to Gustav Klimt and so many more. From creating repeat patterns to illustrative stories told through imagery inspired by an eclectic mix of mythology and allegorical children’s stories throughout history.  Whatever moves and inspires me from my library of art books I’ve been collecting over many years.  

I began painting textiles in 1984. For 17 years I operated out of my Lower Manhattan studio where I painted silk and velvet for scarves, women’s and children’s clothing. Throughout those years Lisa Kiss Scarves could be found at Barneys, Nordstrom, and over 200 stores nationally and internationally. My studio was across the street from the South Tower of the World Trade and I lost everything on 9/11 2001. Lost my business and the place we lived in. The following day  I relocated to the East End of Long Island where I paused my textile design work for 17 years to raise my two daughters on my own.

In 2018, I began to paint velvet scarves again to show in NYC at the Grand Central Holiday Market.  Now I am stretching my brain on learning e-commerce and doing more custom work for universities and private event commissions.  My work is made in small batches and new designs come out just once a year, usually available in the fall.  The silk scarves are made in Italy and China at two exceptional printers. The Silk/Cashmere shawls are meticulously hand painted to my designs by artisans in Jaipur, India.  

One day last summer I put one of my small silk square scarves on my little golden doodle, the same as one I was wearing for our walk at the ocean.  More people stopped to talk to me about our matching scarves than on any other day.  I thought, hmmmm.  I think I have something here. Thus began the “Fetching” line of pet & owner matching silk bandanas.  Silk is hypoallergenic, incredibly durable, and hand washable.  They are much lighter weight, more flexible and comfortable than the thick stiff cotton or polyester of most dog bandanas.  

After all the years of wondering what my purpose has been in creating these drawings and paintings, I have come to believe it was always about sharing the work.  Never wanting it to be seen as anything so precious or only for very few to see in a gallery for a short time.  It was for the work to be in the world, worn on people, bringing some sense of joy to those who find something they love & feel a relaxed sense of comfort & a little bit of chic style when wearing it.  Something they pass down to others because it was well worn and loved!  

It is deeply satisfying knowing that you chose a piece because it spoke to you—not because it was trending, but because it became a reflection of you.

I may have signed each scarf, but it is never complete until it is found and worn by you!