Art Talks with Lizzie Alsop
"To create makes me feel ALIVE. I love the excitement of starting a new artwork, and of the journey it will take me on."
Tell us a little about yourself. Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m a full time contemporary artist who works from my home studio here on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. I paint a mix of abstract and realism making my artwork almost surreal. My art consists of layers of mixed media, geometric shapes and botanicals (mainly Australian Natives). It’s an interpretation of my natural environment. I love to spend my time walking our beautiful coastal tracks, ocean swimming, meditation, yoga, reading a juicy book and spending special time with loved ones.
How does creating art make you feel?
To create makes me feel ALIVE. I love the excitement of starting a new artwork, and of the journey it will take me on.
Did you know you would always be an artist?
From a young age I started creating. It has always been a part of my life.
Why is art important in today's society?
Art is so so important in today’s society. It can give people a feeling of something different. It’s like it can take you an a holiday without going anywhere. It can make a home a home, uplift the senses. It’s a language that can help communicate one’s thoughts and feelings, stirring up feelings and emotions.
What influences your style or approach to creating art?
My major influence on my artwork is definitely my natural environment. I also like to participate in artist workshops and online classes. I’m continually experimenting and learning new techniques to apply to my artwork.
How has your practice changed over time?
My artwork is always evolving. I have gone through many phases sometimes going full circle. I used to sketch with graphite, pencil and pastel mostly flowers, then moved to mixed media collage, figurative artwork and then abstract artwork. Now it’s sort of a combination of abstract and realism with a little collage thrown in from time to time.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I have worked many jobs while always being an artist. Other than helping out on our family farm my other main job was nursing and being a mother of three. I started as a full time artist 14 years ago letting my nursing registration go. It was scary but also extremely liberating to fully focus solely on my art practice.
Some would say the artistic life can be lonely? Do you agree, and if so what do you do to counteract it?
Being an artist can be lonely, however I do like to be alone with my thoughts and creative flow. I quite often listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. I do go and visit exhibitions and have coffee meet ups with other artists. I have also formed some lovely friendships through my artwork with commissions and collaborations.
Name three artists you're inspired by?
I don’t think you should compare yourself to other artists. You can certainly be influenced by other artists alive and past. Three artists I admire are Henri Matisse, Del Kathryn Barton and Margaret Preston.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
It’s what you do with your life that matters. It’s your journey to take so make the most of it.
