March

Visual Female of the Month – March

– And Lizzy (Lizzy Anderson)

I came across Lizzy‘s work quite recently as she now has her prints for sale at a lovely design store (Hapa) in Christchurch. I immediately loved her colouring technique and the easy nature of her art. There is subtle variety in her work, allowing each portrait to acquire its own energy and best relate to the artist portrayed. Apart from this lovely self-portrait (still something I am yet to embark on, but something every artist should attempt in my opinion) Lizzy’s work is comprised of famous people, with the music and film industries taking centre stage. It is always nice to see portraits of people who you already respect and feel a connection with. Lizzy’s work allows us to catch a glimpse of her views on these legends while also letting us get to know Lizzy’s tastes.

 

Now for the interview…

How old were you when you started creating?

Probably 4-5? I used to trace over my mum and big sisters drawings, I remember getting told off in school for doodling instead of listening and getting detention when I was asked to draw a tidal wave for a school project – The teacher thought my mum had done it… she hadn’t.

I was lucky my family is creative and would make up games. We would make guitars out of juice bottles, stilts from tins etc.

What is your art education? At what age did you decide to pursue art seriously?

I have a bachelor of Visual Communication, I always wanted to pursue a career in the creative field. When I thought of art as a job as a teen, I thought of design/advertising so I did that for around 9 years (plus 3 years of study) before actually making the jump into illustration.

The way I see art relates mostly to the artist Mirka Mora. She said ‘Your art is your art – never dilute yourself, I don’t choose the ideas, they choose me. I don’t wait for them. They come without my permission’. This quote really resonates with me. It was actually the quote that gave me the push to start sharing my illustrations. I always felt I had a different way of approaching things, so it was nice to hear it wasn’t actually all that different.

What is your favourite thing to draw and why?

Skulls, not sure why.. I’ve always liked drawing anatomy, I find it really interesting.

If you weren’t an artist what would you do?

Graphic Design/Advertising

Tell us a bit about your artistic process. How long does it take to finish an artwork? What tools do you use etc?

Method drawing! Well, at least that’s what I call it. I put on the music of those I’m drawing and draw. What comes out is a key detail within each piece that portrays how I see their character, or how I feel when I listen to them. A pose, a sly smile, colour, line work. If you want to see who’s next check my Spotify!

I have a Wacom which I use to work up colour. I use a mixture of drawing, pencil, ink, water-colour. Each portrait warrants a different treatment depending on mood, tone, melody, movement. I like to exaggerate features, play with proportion and colour.

Some portraits can take 30mins others can take weeks.

Are you largely independent as an artist or do you have a lot of creative friends to hang with and share ideas?

I’m largely independent, most of my days are spent listening to music and drawing on my own. I’ve always been a bit of a hermit. I do have a lot of creative friends and family so that always helps.

Do you think you chose your style, or did your style choose you?

My style chose me I would say. I remember trying my hardest to draw realistically and someone would walk past and tell me that they liked how I accentuated the proportions…

True or False: Art has to have meaning to be meaningful.

True, but It doesn’t have to be the same meaning that the artist intended, it’s how it relates to you.

If you somehow hurt your vision, would you choose to wear glasses or contacts?

Glasses, I have them now. They are cats eye with a horn brim,  I wear them for detail work.

Excluding sight, what two other senses are your favourites?

Sound, Touch

5 most pleasant things to look at:

Ummm…

• Sky and open spaces
• Plants/Nature
• Highlights, Shadows and how they interact with their surroundings
• Watercolour as it bleeds into the paper
• Puppies, Kittens – Baby animals of any kind really

5 least pleasant things to look at:

off the top of my head,

• Suffering
• Death
• Poverty
• Disease
• Helplessness

Who is the most inspiring woman you know and why?

My Mum, I know, I know everyone says that right? But she taught me so much, as most mothers do. I love her to pieces. She is an artist in her own right, she taught me to ask for what I want, not to settle and to believe in myself.

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

Hmm… um, maybe the snort I make when I laugh? not sure it’s anyone elses favourite thing about me though, hahaha *snort*

What is on your bedroom walls currently?

A picture of Bill Murray, a scene of New York being taken over by a giant squid and my signed portraits from Johnny Depp, PJ Harvey, Steve Smyth and Devendra Banhart.

Favourite clothing / accessory / product at the moment?

I own mostly black everything, maybe my engagement ring? It was my partners great grandmothers ring from the 20’s – I’m very lucky.

Favourite artist at the moment:

I really like Marilyn Manson’s art. My favourite is ‘When I Get Old’ which was apparently inspired by a portrait of William S Burroughs in his hallway, and is a future self-portrait of, er, himself.

And finally, any words of advice for people stepping into the creative sector?

Be thankful, share your passion and spread the excitement you feel for it everyday.