Elizabeth Bush

My interest in photography began in the mid-1970’s. At that time, I aspired to be a full time artist, with watercolors as my medium. From early on, I shot slide film and created slide show presentations of travel images for family and friends. Imagery from my photographs was often used for watercolors painted in my studio.

In 1978, I co-founded a fledgling business which was unrelated to the arts. The business evolved into an international wholesale corporation called GeoCentral that was based in Napa. While personal travel photography continued, art pursuits took a backseat to business responsibilities for the next 30 years. The practice of yoga, begun in 1974, provided nurturance and contributed to my ability to persevere during these years as a business owner.

I was fortunate to sell my company in 2008, and have since focused on expanding and refining my photographic skills. Once I got my hands on a digital camera in early 2003, I never went back to film.

In Fall 2012, I presented a solo exhibit at the Napa Valley Museum, “The Allure of Mare Island – Photographs by Elizabeth Bush”. Yet another Mare Island - themed show took place in Summer 2013 at the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, where I shared the spotlight with husband, artist Mark Mattioli.

A cultural trip to Cuba in May 2014 proved highly inspirational to me and my husband. In addition to Havana, we visited the lush tobacco-growing region of Vinales and the Spanish colonial city of Trinidad. The land, the people, the architecture are all amazing and photo-worthy! Images from this trip have been featured in 2 exhibits, a book, and slide show presentations.

In addition to continuing to create visual presentations of travels or special interests, I exhibit my fine arts imagery in numerous forums. I present public slide shows and talks on various topics related to my photography. I have created numerous photography books on subjects including New Mexico & West Texas, Southern Arizona, Sicily & Southern Italy, Umbria, Cuba. A member of Napa Valley Photographic Society since 2009, I served as President of the Board of Directors from 2012 - 2014.

I was fortunate to sell my company in 2008, and have since focused on expanding and refining my photographic skills. Once I got my hands on a digital camera in early 2003, I never went back to film. I exhibit my fine arts imagery in numerous forums, including museum and gallery exhibitions. Additionally, I have presented numerous public slide shows and talks on various topics related to my photography.

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