Can you tell us a bit about you and your work?
It's total escapism. I play with colour to transform a landscape to make it dream like. To capture a tranquil moment in time, that in reality would only last a few moments but in a painting it is there to jump into anytime you need a calm space.
Can you talk us through your creative process?
I work in my studio in st Leonard's on sea, I'm a single parent of two so I cherish and make the most of my time painting. I work quickly and trust my gut, and use acrylics that really pop and layer well. I'm obsessed with a vivid colour palette, and like to keep my work loose and abstract but always with some realistic and identifiable shapes and objects. I work usually with podcasts on or simply enjoy the sound of the local seagulls.
Any advice you’d like to share to help new/young artists?
Get yourself out there. Make things happen for yourself and collaborate and exhibit with friends. Keep experimenting and learning and growing and don't put too much pressure on the final work being perfect, as you'll probably end up overworking it. Know when to let it go and keep an initial raw energy to the work. Above all, enjoy what you're creating, don't worry about what others are doing, just do what comes naturally to you.
What does a typical day look like for you?
School run, studio for the day, usually with a break for coffee and walk along the beach, play some guitar, pick up kids and then start the whole routine again the next day.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given
Apply for open calls, don't push yourself on galleries, wait for them to want to see new work so they are receptive of your work. Also treat what you do like a business, get good at shipping and packing and social media, it's all part of the job.
Worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given
To not show too much of my personality on social media, this is a terrible idea in my experience as I find people want to buy from you, you're part of your brand and helps tell the story of your work.
Work of art you’d love to own
An original hilma af Klint, or anything by Katherine bernhardt
Can you finish this sentence: If I wasn’t an artist I’d be…
A musician, which I also am ☺️ I front my own band Wave Machine and often play session guitar for Los Bitchos.
Dream dinner party guests
If I'm allowed a mix from different times then Peggy Guggenheim, David Hockney, Lee Krasner, Keith Haring, Cy Twombly, and Bridget Riley.
Huge thanks to Elizabeth for taking the time to chat with us! You can follow her on Instagram here.
Browse Elizabeth's framed original paintings, 'Kisses' and 'Everything's Yours' and limited edition prints, 'Jessiman Woods', 'Smiley Face' and 'Blue Pot in Window Light' in her collection.