We recently connected with Elizabeth Gorcey and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I acting in films for several years. One day in the make up chair I was sitting waiting for my hair and make up and though there has to be more then me sitting in this chair. After that film I started an Art Program, titled Project Caring Strokes for HIV+ children and disadvantaged children and teens. Using art as a means of expression while they were waiting for a doctors appointment or trying to break-free from gang or just pure expression. I loved to see these kids after they created something. Their entire being changed – they became lighter and more positive about their futures.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been a creator, and my journey began at a very young age, in a way that was as much about necessity as it was about the natural pull of creativity. When I was just five years old, my mother, an artist, couldn’t afford a babysitter. So, she did what any determined parent would do—she took me with her to her painting classes. I would sit quietly in the back of the room, watching her and the other artists work, and soon, my curiosity turned into something more. It was there, surrounded by brushes and paint, that I began to paint myself. What began as a way to pass the time quickly became an integral part of who I was. Those early experiences—splashing colors on a canvas, experimenting with shapes and lines—instilled a deep love for creation that has remained with me throughout my life.

Painting, for me, was never just about putting pigment on a surface. It was about expression, discovery, and the joy of seeing something take form from my own hands. Even as a young child, I found solace and excitement in the act of creation. The canvas became my world, a place where I could explore ideas, emotions, and stories—without words, without boundaries. Over time, my love for painting expanded into other forms of creative expression.

Acting was a natural next step. From the moment I started participating in school plays, I knew I was meant to be on stage, bringing characters to life. The thrill of stepping into a different persona, of communicating a story through emotion and movement, was exhilarating. Acting was another way for me to channel my creative energy, to explore the complexities of human emotion and experience, and to connect with others in a deeply impactful way. That same love for transformation and storytelling that I found in painting was equally present in the world of theater and film.

As I grew older, I expanded my creative pursuits into producing and directing. Becoming a director allowed me to blend everything I had learned as an actress and a storyteller into a cohesive vision. I loved the process of overseeing the creation of a film or a project, guiding it from conception to final execution, and bringing together the talents of others to create something meaningful. Producing, on the other hand, gave me the chance to build something from the ground up, organizing the many moving parts of a project into something tangible and beautiful. Both roles let me continue my journey of creation, this time with a broader, more collaborative approach.

Through it all, I’ve always returned to storytelling—whether through acting, directing, or producing, the heart of what I do is about telling stories that resonate. This desire to share stories also led me to write my own children’s books series, Liv on Life, inspired by and with my daughter, Liv. Writing has been an incredibly fulfilling extension of my creativity, a way to express important lessons, values, and adventures for young minds. The Liv on Life books are not just stories for children; they are ways to guide them through life’s challenges, to help them navigate the world with positivity, resilience, and compassion. Writing for children has given me a platform to inspire the next generation, to teach them the power of imagination, and to show them the beauty of art in all its forms.

Looking back, I realize that my creative path has been one continuous thread, beginning with those early days in my mother’s painting class and weaving through acting, directing, producing, and writing. I’ve always been driven by the desire to create—whether it’s a painting, a performance, a film, or a story for children. For me, being a creator isn’t just about the medium; it’s about the process, the journey, and the deep fulfillment that comes from bringing something new into the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal time in my life was the loss of my brother. Losing someone close, especially a sibling, is a deeply transformative experience, and his passing had a profound impact on me. Grief can often shift our priorities, our perspective on life, and the way we approach our careers and relationships. I stopped my current career as an actress and put my non profit organization, Project Caring Strokes on hold to go to the east coast to help run my brothers business. A deep emotional loss like this reshapes your perspective on life, and often bringing an awareness of the fragility of life.

As time passes, the initial shock begins to fade, but grief doesn’t necessarily disappear. The loss can lead to a reevaluation of priorities, relationships, and what truly matters in life. I helped my parents and relocated to run his company. This experience of loss fostered my resilience and personal growth.

The impact of losing a loved one is unique to each person, and the way it changes one’s life can vary. For me it was learning to find ways to honor and remember my brother. We started a nonprofit in his name titled The Lloyd Gorcey Charitable Foundation. This Foundation was set up to help underprivileged children, a cause that was dear to my brother.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

To be an artist is to embrace a lifelong journey of discovery, vulnerability, and expression. As a painter, this journey is deeply personal and often rooted in the act of creating something from within. It’s an exhilarating experience looking at a blank canvas and transforming it in to something. Not knowing exactly what but this process offers both moments of profound satisfaction and quiet introspection. Hte act of creating is not just about the finished piece, but the journey itsefl, the unfolding of vision, the challenge of bringing an idea to life, and the freedom to explore the depths of one’s own imagination. To me art is a language that transcends words, offering a universal connection with others who may see something of themselves in my artwork.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the sense of fulfillment that comes from seeing a concept materialize. Whether you start with a blank canvas, a lump of clay, or a blank page, the process of transformation is magical. The raw materials, once devoid of form or meaning, slowly begin to take shape.
Art is often a bridge between people, a way to express universal truths, provoke thought, or evoke emotion. When others engage with your work, it feels as though you’ve made a real impact—no matter how small or fleeting—by offering something that resonates, inspires, or comforts. It’s an affirmation that your art has a place in the world, that it matters, and that it can touch someone else’s life.

As an artist, there is also a joy in the freedom that creativity offers, Exploring various mediums and styles and methods adds to that liberation.

Ultimately, the rewards of being an artist are immeasurable. The joy comes not only from the act of creation itself but from the journey of self-discovery, growth, and the connection you build with others through your work. Being an artist is a constant evolution—an ongoing conversation with your inner world, the materials you work with, and the people you touch with your art. The joy of creating is, in essence, the joy of living fully, of expressing the infinite possibilities of who you are, and of sharing that unique vision with the world. It’s a gift—not just to others, but to yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethgorcey.com
• Instagram: @elizabeth_gorcey_art
• Facebook: elizabeth gorcey