THE INTUITIVE LENS

ABOUT LISL STEINER

“…And so my life has been full and I have no regrets.” – Lisl Steiner

I have known Lisl since 1970 and have been working on a film about her life and photography with Vivian Winther for the past twelve years as well as the archive of her negatives, prints, correspondence and ephemera. Lisl’s passion for chronicling all that surrounds her has led to her work receiving attention and acclaim. She made a living photographing politicians and musicians, but her true passion was found chronicling the lives, stories and plight of real people in their very real lives. The Children of the America’s project began in Santiago, Chile in 1959 and has been a focus for Lisl ever since. In her pictures of children, we see children in every walk of life, from all over the world. She believed that each child deserved the chance at a beautiful life, like herself who left Austria before the Nazis descended. Lisl says, “My parents and I did not run from Europe. We walked.” In her photographs, we see her through the eyes of her subjects as they respond to the incredible presence and personality of Lisl. She never asked for permission, she trusted her gut instinct. She is magnificent, authentic and truly a work of art herself. I have always absolutely loved Lisl; she told me to stop thinking too much, to trust myself. After over fifty years of friendship, it is an honor to call her my friend, inspiration and mentor. My wish is to share her with you…for you to fall in love with her…be surprised by her…see the world through those beautiful eyes…marvel at her courage and curiosity… look at the photographs that will make you cry, laugh and dream.