Born and educated In New Zealand, Elizabeth traveled the world, becoming a US citizen in 1999. A self-taught artist, her art career began with a successful exhibition of silk paintings in New Zealand, a visit to the Altos De Chavon Art Colony in the Dominican Republic, and a life as a self-supporting artist. Elizabeth has traveled the globe and pursued an independent, professional art career for more than 40 years. Her artwork can be seen at Clay Paper Gallery in Dunedin and Baisden Gallery in Tampa. She currently paints and teaches her “happy medium” – Silk Painting – at her studio in South Seminole Heights, Tampa. Elizabeth also offers a “ JumpStartYour Art” course, of one to as many classes as you choose to take, to get you going in your art life. She is an exceptional trainer and mentor, with skills to develop strategies that generate a positive response in recipients. Her strengths include experience in Painting, Framing, accessing resources. Experience in art show participation and gallery representation. Silk Painting using fiber-reactive dyes that require steaming, or dye paints and other mediums on silk. An enthusiasm that encourages student participation, and experimentation in various media. Teaching children.
Artist’s Statement: I am a self-taught artist, a ‘primitive” in a sophisticated world. My artwork is a lyrical, symbolic narrative. Spontaneity, freedom and richness of color are characteristic of my work. They are enhanced by the nature of silk – its luster and receptivity to the dyes – and by the immediacy of the silk painting technique. I find great joy in encouraging others to venture forth on this most human of activities – self-expression. My constant preoccupation is the ongoing revelation of a universally applicable yet individual healing paradigm for this hurting world.
Experience:
2017 Curator, Carrollwood Cultural Centre, Tampa – Fearless Fibre, 7 fiber artists.
2015 Curator. HCC Ybor Art Gallery, Tampa – The Message is in the Medium. International Silk Artists.
1987 – Present. Silk Painting Artist. Work is available at Baisden Gallery, Tampa; and Clay and Paper Gallery, Dunedin.
2012 Office Manager and Extracurricular activities co-ordinator at Community Stepping Stones, a program for disadvantaged at-risk teens.
2011-Present Literacy, Language and Art Coach for private students.
2005 -2011. Expressive Arts Co-ordinator, Mental Health Care Inc. Providing art activities and outreach opportunities for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. 1987-2004 Self Supporting, award-winning artist, presenting work on the outdoor act circuit; in the prestigious American Arts Council Art Expos. And in galleries.
1980-1987 International Travel and Art Experiences.
1977 – 79 Remedial Teacher, for children aged 9 – 16, with educational and cultural deficiencies, in schools in New Zealand, Britain and Jamaica.
Education: 1974. Diploma of Teaching, Auckland Teacher’s College; ESL ( English as a Second Language, now known as TESOL) qualifications.
1969- 1973. BA Hons, Otago University, Dunedin New Zealand, (Specializing in English Language, with papers in French and German).
I have been painting on silk for more than thirty years and am now teaching this lovely art to others. My Silk Paintings are available at Baisden Gallery in Tampa, and at Clay and Paper Gallery, Dunedin. My studio is a place for creative get-togethers, for silk painting afternoons, or project fulfillment – e.g. making found object sculpture, signs for a demonstration, felting for fun or experimenting with media. I teach sewing skills. JumpStart Your Art sessions lead your creative genius out into the playing field of creation. These classes are for people who want to be making art, but can’t quite get started.
