At just 15 years old, triple-threat artist Iris Ma has already achieved success as an oil painter, photographer, and fiction writer, weaving themes of nature, authenticity and appreciation throughout all she creates.
This Irvington High School sophomore and Tarrytown native first discovered her love for making art at the age of seven when she began taking drawing classes. By middle school, she had transitioned to oil painting and quickly found that the process of painting itself became her favorite part of the craft. “Each brushstroke is made carefully by hand,” she says, emphasizing the individuality and intention behind every piece.
Iris’ path into photography was a bit more unexpected. Influenced by her grandfather’s passion for painting and her grandmother’s gift for gardening at an early age, Iris has long cherished the winged friends that flock to all of the life in her own backyard. However, during the pandemic, with many outdoor activities limited, she found a renewed comfort in birdwatching.
While most people saw the restrictions as a setback, Iris turned this period of uncertainty into an opportunity for growth. Her fascination with the natural world grew and, before long, she picked up a standard camcorder and began experimenting with photography.
Surrendering to the fickle and flighty nature of her subjects, Iris became captivated by the challenge of waiting for that fleeting moment, that “lucky shot.” Patience is key but the result is always worth it — a single photograph conveying beauty, tranquility, and awe.
It’s this attention to detail and thoughtfulness that has earned Iris recognition, including two Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. In 2023, she won a national silver medal for photography, and in 2022, she earned a silver medal in the writing category for her sci-fi and fantasy story.
That’s right. Iris is also a lauded fiction writer. She has long been an avid reader, taking weekly trips to Warner Library in Tarrytown pre-pandemic. Greek mythology, as well as modern epic fantasy series, have inspired her own writing. Though her visual art portrays the lightness of life, Iris draws shadows with her proverbial pen. She sees writing as a way to convey messages through characters. In her award-winning piece, Iris explored the darker themes of familial bonds and betrayal.
As a young artist, Iris understands the importance of both self-critique and embracing imperfection. “Perfection isn’t achievable,” she says, “but striving for quality is important. You can always improve.” Her journey reflects a balance between technical mastery and an openness to growth. Her work is constantly evolving, and she encourages others to embrace the process of self-reflection and learning from mistakes.
Iris’ work is currently on display at the Fitzgerald Gallery in Warner Library. The third-floor showcases her vibrant oil paintings alongside other young, local artists. Meanwhile, the second-floor space highlights her bird photography exclusively. Visitors may notice that some of her photographs have been recreated as paintings. Her pictures are one of her favorite sources of inspiration, as she likes to see the subtle differences between the two modalities.
Iris invites you to experience her work firsthand anytime through the end of December. It’s a chance to pause and see the world through her eyes — one frame, one brushstroke at a time.
Looking ahead, Iris’ future remains full of possibilities. Though she has a deep passion for art, she’s also involved in other pursuits, like her school’s academic challenge team. When asked about her aspirations, she simply says, “The future is always open.”
