Rising Stars: Meet Alexis Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Lewis.

Hi Alexis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey, I’m Alexis! I’m a nature photographer/videographer and creative from a small town outside Elizabethtown, Kentucky. I spent most of my childhood between the city of Elizabethtown and farmland outside of town, where I learned a lot about nature and wildlife. While growing up in the city with my dad, we often found trails and nature spots to spend our time in. My acquaintance with and passion for many of the local trails started here!

Simultaneously, I spent much of my time on the farm in Summerville and Eastview, Kentucky, where my mom and her partner resided. During this time, I had a plethora of hands-on experience with cows, chickens, cats, kittens, (bird)dogs, piggies – you name it! I wanted to become a veterinarian at a young age and attribute much of that realization to this time. Aside from experiencing the farm animals and wildlife that inhabited the property, I spent much of my time in nature. My brother and I would go into the woods on the land and build cool forts from natural elements, where I learned a lot from him. I would turn nature into a “salad” and loved getting creative with it! Blackberries are all over the place here, and I remember many summer days consisting of picking them and eating them right off the vine or baking them into a delicious blackberry cobbler. I didn’t realize until I became an adult how much spending time in nature as a child impacted my young mind and has aided in the relationship with nature that I have today. Since then, I’ve traveled and been enlightened by all the breathtaking earth views!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been challenging, especially in choosing a traditional path like going back to school vs. having faith in my creativity and passions. While I’ve chosen a less traditional path to some, my passion for nature and photography has taught me so much about life, love, and the beauty of raw earth + the present moment, which is not always found in the traditional sense. As cliche as it may sound, we each have the choice to do what ignites our soul. I’ve found that it is often being out in nature and sharing the beauty of the natural earth with all who resonate. Furthermore, I find what lights my soul right up is being creative and allowing that creativity to flow! From my mind to my current projects, it’s always rewarding. While I’ve been worried about judgment or disappointment, at the end of the day, my loved ones support my soulful joy, and I am so thankful to have the wonderful support system that I do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I like to partake in many creative outlets; however, my specialty is nature photography and videography. While I enjoy the beautiful perspective of the thought process behind all that creatives share – I enjoy sharing my view of raw, unedited photos and videos of the nature I capture. I enjoy taking this route because I find nature so raw and natural in and of itself, and I want to portray that through my artwork. I am so proud of not only how this creative outlet has aided in my growth as an individual and how I see nature + the world but also the like-minded people I’ve met along the way through sharing my art and hearing about others passion for nature/photography as well as other cool creative outlets!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

• My family deserves so much credit, and I am grateful for them.
• My dad for sharing his creativity with me, taking me out in nature, and supporting all of my wildest dreams – it has helped open my perspective on the multitude of possibilities in life. I am so proud of and inspired by him and all he’s accomplished.
• My mom for allowing me the space to be in nature so much as a child. From being on the farm to taking me to the creek and local lakes, she’s also been one of my biggest cheerleaders in my happiness and personal growth.
• My grandparents, whom I spent a lot of my time with growing up on their land in Buffalo, Kentucky, and taught me all about gardening, cutting grass, and building things – who have taken me camping (possibly even more than my parents) and got me out into nature since I was a child. They have supported my vision, and I can’t thank them enough. While my papaw is no longer with us, I am ever-inspired by his creativity and love. I am thankful to have always had him and my nanan cheering me on!
• My brother and his dad for teaching me all the fort-building tricks and being alongside me while we played out in nature as a kid. From going to the field trials, learning about the fossils in the creek bed, and walking creeks with me for hours.
• I am so thankful for my family! Aside from my family, the connections I’ve made amongst the various social media platforms I’ve shared my nature content on have aided in my inspiration. I am so thankful to have met such wonderful, creative souls along the journey! Mother earth is my greatest inspiration to get out and capture the natural beauty that is ‘her.’

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Grounded N Nature
• Facebook: Grounded N Nature
• Youtube: Grounded N Nature

Image Credits
Alexis Lewis