We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa E a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lisa E thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I am an adrenaline seeking adventurist! The biggest, most life changing risk has been as a U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter pilot. While my 26-year career as a pilot does not necessarily translate to becoming an artist, it certainly adds to how I see the world as an abstract painter. As early as I can remember I have been fascinated with aviation.

There have been so many dark and stormy nights when I was called out to respond to mariners in distress. In particular, was when I was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, there were nights flying in blowing snow, hurricane force winds, and zero visibility where the risks were life threatening. I lived through these challenging flights, and have always found creative solutions in both life and art. Following my rewarding military career I returned to school and received degrees in art and art history. My artistic style is always evolving because I am curious. I find creativity is fluid & fearless. At times while painting I’m on the razors edge between success & disaster. Art is directly connected to my life journey, especially when I was serving as a U.S. Coast Guard pilot.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I became an artist after I transitioned from a rewarding 26-year military career. I have always been creative and found art a perfect fit for my life journey. My artistic expression as an abstract painter satisfies my soul. It is my desire to engage the viewer on a deeper, subconscious level. The more the viewer knows, the more they will begin to appreciate my work. My backstory becomes as interesting as my artwork, perhaps even more so. I abstract memories into my artwork. The narrative is left up to the viewer, with each detail in my work a satisfying discovery.

One of my most proudest moments as an artist was during my first year after graduating from art school. I was showing my artwork in Northern California, and sold 25 paintings in one year!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many rewarding aspects to my artistic pursuits, in particular, meeting amazingly creative people, i.e. artists, clients, collectors, and art enthusiasts who are open minded and excited to share. Creating and selling artwork is also exciting and rewarding, especially when I can engage with people and discuss my process.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the beginning of the pandemic when businesses, both large and small were shuttered closed, I was located at my studio in an arts district collective where many artists did not renew their leases. I remained, in a ghost town atmosphere, and embraced the moment. I painted my heart out, day and night, telling myself that eventually, all would be well and customers would return. During that time, I also returned to school & took online entrepreneurship and photography courses. A year later, I completed an entrepreneurship certificate, sold 11 paintings and acquired a few commissions.

With all that is going on in the world, art, among many things, is here to bring beauty and awareness by telling stories.  There have been sad, cutting, and clever stories through the eyes of artists especially during challenging times.

The irony is that most artists operate in isolation, so when the stay at home orders happened it was not that much of a stretch for me as it was for others.  I was alone with my paint, panels & brushes.  I embraced the moment, and meditated and prayed for those who were sick or hurting.

Without a doubt great art is being created around the world at this very moment.  That is why I returned to school.  I am compelled to continue to grow, create and generate fresh, new ideas that will translate into art that is compelling and interesting.

Not only do I want to create art but also learn more about how to present my artwork, and understand best business practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.LISAELIZABETH.NET
• Instagram: @LisaEFineArt
• Facebook: Lisa Elizabeth Fine Art