I'm originally from Atherton - a small town in the North West of England.   Shortly after graduating Newcastle-upon-Tyne University (B.A. honours degree in politics), I  moved to Los Angeles, California and embarked upon a career in the TV industry. I'd been in LA several years, had gone through a divorce, and was experiencing something of a  personal crisis and feeling desperate. I was steeped in the Church of England (Protestant) growing up but had rejected it long before moving to the States - so although I was searching for something, I was not about to turn to the "punishing & rewarding" god that I grew up with.

A friend recommended two books, “The Sermon On The Mount”, by Emmet Fox, and “Three Magic Words”, by US Anderson.  Et voila - I found myself walking into the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science even though I'd never heard of the Science of Mind or Ernest Holmes.  Upon hearing Dr Mark Vierra's talk, I had a profound sense of "I'm home, this is it".   I couldn't get enough of it.  I took all the classes and became a licensed Practitioner.  I've been an active member of my church community ever since.

Five years ago I went back to school to study photography. I was accepted into the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.  I was placed on the Dean's honours list and exhibited several times in the prestigious student gallery before graduating with a BFA honors degree in Photography and Imaging.  This success, amongst many others is all due to my turning my life over to Spirit and practicing the principles that I learned at church.  It really is The Father Within That Do'eth The Work!

I moved back to the UK in fall 2006. My intent is to start a study group. I've had a few enquiries and am dealing with individuals on a one-to-one basis for the moment. I'm starting my life from scratch, in a foreign country (that's what England is to me now)  It is proving to be quite an adjustment - actually,  quite a challenge. I miss California like mad.  I miss my church community more than anything else.  There's very little SOM in England and none at all in my area.

In addition to getting a freelance photography business off the ground, I've had a personal project accepted by a major Manchester Museum (due to exhibit October). I'm a commercial and fine art photographer specializing in food, still life, lifestyle and portraiture. This project is near to my heart and I feel very passionate about it. It is a combination of photography, art, culture, religion, and food, with the aim of improving understanding in the Greater Manchester area between Christians, Muslims, other religions, and ethnic groups.  There will be a series of   photographs of families eating meals and food activities that relate to their religious practices. To be in England a mere three months and get an exhibit at a major museum is again another testament to openness, faith, and the power of prayer & living in Truth.

Contact Information
07913-091206
mizshaw@gmail.com
www.shaw-photography.us