Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Calzavara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
How did you learn to do what you do?
I’d love to say pure intuition, but it was so much harder than that.
I’ve always been curious and that leads to many “what if “questions. By researching not only what has been done before but also questioning how new materials could be utilized has brought me insights into creating innovative pieces. Then of course there is trial and error and after days, weeks, years of practice I’ve begun to understand how to create delightful works of art.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Taking classes and workshops early on could have provided faster insight into how to solve some of the problems I’ve encountered. Research alone took a great amount of time and networking with other artists would have been helpful in reaching solutions earlier.
What skills do you think were most essential?
The fundamentals of design are always key to creating an interesting piece. However, I feel determination and perseverance are essential as well. There are many times when I will know that something isn’t working in a composition but can’t seem to make the right corrections. That’s the hardest part, to continue with the struggle until something clicks, and the true beauty of the piece is realized.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
We all can get lost in the day-to-day issues of family, work, pets, volunteering, etc. All of these can drain the amount of time we allocate toward learning new skills, new techniques. But setting aside time for improving your skills set can greatly improve your success. The new techniques acquired may actually save time and effort, thus making the process more efficient. Commitment to learning is essential.
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 had a passion for art. I have so many childhood memories of making sketches of my cats or creating colorful masterpieces for the refrigerator. It was a wonderful time but then I had to grow up and choose a career. I received a degree in Finance but continued creating as a hobby. Art has always inspired me and when the opportunity to follow that passion presented itself upon moving to Colorado 29 years ago, I was delighted to take the journey.
I am now trained in encaustic, oil, acrylic, resin, ceramics, and watercolor, and I love exploring how mixing and matching each medium creates unique designs.
I’m very excited to be working on a new series of abstract paintings which explore the dynamics of movement and in a way are reflections of me. At first glance I may look calm, and totally in control. It’s the “image” that helps me cope with daily challenges. Digging a little deeper, you would begin to see the chaos of constant swirling emotions as issues become problems and my day gets out of control. Slowly as I resolve each complication I begin to relax and appreciate the lingering energy and value the experiences that have strengthened me. This is what my paintings are about.
When I begin a piece, I’m creating a portrait, not in the usual sense of a person but as a residual experience. It encompasses telling a story of energy, conflict, depth, and resolution by using color, shape, and composition. Each painting is energized with movement, large swirls or repetitive patterns. The shapes may have a strong sense of form, or it may fade away based on what needs to be integrated to convey the essential meaning. The key for me is to organize the elements to bring order without diminishing the momentum which brings resolution to each piece and becomes an experience itself.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Creating art goes beyond just making pretty paintings. Each piece pulls together thoughts and emotions which are then formulated into shapes and colors making the intangible now tangible. The greatest reward is when someone looks into the painting and not just sees what is there but also feels what I was feeling when I created it, two subconscious minds meeting. This connection is awesome and truly fulfilling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There are many struggles I have encountered in creating my pieces; financial limitations, developing new ideas and ways to present them, lack of supplies or resources, the list goes on. However, I think the hardest one to overcome is having confidence. There are times when all my work feels subpar, and I begin to question if I will ever be successful. That’s when I have to find enough courage to present my work and realize the flaws and failures I see are just me being overcritical. Looking for the beauty is key to overcoming this obstacle; you just have to believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aprettypainting.com
- Instagram: @fineartbylc
- Facebook: Fine Art by LC
Image Credits
Lisa Calzavara