Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Schnura
Hi Elizabeth, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As I’m sure many other artists might say, I don’t remember a time in life without a connection to art. I have memories of drawing as a young child and art classes from elementary school. I remember my first set of paints and first painting lessons. My parents are certainly to thank for bringing painting into my life—they gifted me that first set of oil painting tools in middle school. Not long after that, I was signed up for oil painting lessons at the local art shop. This was the pivotal point in my journey as a painter, I was hooked.
I knew I wanted to be an artist and I spent a lot of my formative years focusing on the fundamentals of drawing, figure drawing and art history. Although my dedication to painting may not have been at the forefront throughout the years, it was always present. During my teens and into my 20s, I was very private about my art and I did not share many of my paintings. At that time, painting was like a secret therapy for me. In hindsight, I’ve realized that painting is such an outpour of emotions for me and for many years I was not ready to be that vulnerable.
I found myself in a transitional and experimental stage of life during college and post college, like humans do. I was experiencing a personal freedom that allowed me to begin exploring my own voice and the path that I wanted to take in life. It was during this period that I began taking more risks in creating and showing my paintings. Outside of school, I spent a lot of time studying the artists that inspired me and practicing technical skill. Life in-between then and the present has been a series of ebbs and flows, absorbing all of life’s lessons along the way.
Now, many years later, I have fully embraced myself as an artist—a painter. I am comfortable with my place in this life and happy to open up about this part of me. I am excited and proud to share my paintings, the creative flow and my thought process behind it all. That is the journey, isn’t it? I have spent the last few years focusing inward and embracing a life of constant learning and growing. This is seen both technically and conceptually through the evolution of my paintings. Making the decision to focus on my craft and creating my business, Elizabeth Schnura Fine Art, was not an easy process. I am very privileged and grateful to have such an incredibly encouraging support system. That gratitude is partly expressed through much of my current work, which focuses on the greater themes of mutualism and interconnectedness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When working towards a goal or self-betterment, I think it would be irresponsible to expect a smooth road. The difficult times and the lulls in creativity are the moments I am able to reflect, elevate my understanding and move forward. Thinking back on some of the challenges I have experienced throughout my life, I can’t help but realize it was typically my own self in the way. There have been various moments over the years where I have wished to go back and re-shift my focus to things that would later be regarded as missed opportunities. This type of reflection is rooted in self doubt and not feeling good enough. Harboring regret or self doubt has probably been my biggest obstacle as an artist to date.
Doubting myself was a direct route to a lack of confidence which—for me—sometimes lead to poor decision making and holding myself back with an irrational fear of not measuring up to my peers. I realized that I had fallen into a comparison trap while rarely trusting myself to make my own path. Over time, with self reflection and living more intentionally, I have come to appreciate the patience needed to ensure progress in a way that works for me. My mindset these days is generally in a place of peace and learning which allows me to let go of feeling lost in the why not’s and the what if’s.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist and my primary focus is oil painting in the style of contemporary realism. The driving force to create stems from an abundance of emotions with no where to go. I am inspired by the grandeur of nature and interconnectedness between all things. This is often conveyed through compositions with elements of nature and landscape, intertwining realism and vibrant color palettes. My current work is focused on mutualism, stemming from the core belief that all life is deserving. I am creating pieces that highlight the simple, delicate beauty and integral aspects of nature that can be easily passed by. I intend for my work to translate points of open mindedness and thoughtfulness for the things outside of ourselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
In life and in art, I have never felt affected by luck one way or another. I believe in karma and embracing the life that I have. I work hard to feel settled with the choices that I have made along the way, regardless of the outcomes favorability. Attributing any fantastical parts of life to luck diminishes my hard work, my support system and the experiences that have led me to this place. I think that referring to the obstacles along the way as bad luck is a disservice to myself, a missed opportunity to learn from my mistakes. Attributing my successes or failures to luck is akin to hoping my dreams will happen to me as opposed to making my own dreams come true.
Like anyone else, I have experienced both serendipitous moments and instances of setback. Luck plays no part in these moments; my journey in this life and as an artist is guided by my own participation and my direct environment. Launching my small business, Elizabeth Schnura Fine Art, three years go would not have come to fruition on my ideas alone. Being vulnerable enough to share my artwork would not have been possible without the love and encouragement from those closest to me. The journey to become an artist and curate this life has been a series of trial and error, guided by the tides of my own decision making.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizabethschnura.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_schnura/profilecard/?igsh=MWdkYzNkaHoyZWc5dQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075979500639&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elizabeth_schnura?_t=8qpJqsn7rJe&_r=1
Image Credits
Elizabeth Schnura
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