INTERVIEW WITH LIZ CZEREWATY, ARTIST OF THE MONTH, FEBRUARY 2015
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Liz has just recently hosted her first gallery show at the Cloister Gallery. (Shown here with her co-host, Linda Dellandre.) She serves on the board of the Pastel Society of Southeast Texas.
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PSST: Why are you an artist or how did you choose to become an artist?
LC: I've always considered myself more"artsy" than Artist. I love making things-whether it's with a glue stick, glitter and construction paper, or fancy pastel paper with the nicest pastels on the planet. I am insatiably curious and therefore my art journey has led me in many, many directions-- from wood turning, pottery making, stained glass work, quilting and to of course most currently painting in pastels. I have loved all of it.
PSST: What is your art background?
LC: I attended Mount Carmel a parochial school here in Houston and was given lots of creative freedom by my art teachers. It was a wonderfully progressive school and I was encouraged to try many different creative art mediums from silkscreen printing to set design along with traditional drawing, painting etc. After graduation, off to college I went to Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas, majoring in Fine Arts--thinking I would be a Graphics Artist/Illustrator. However, I was on the cusp of the computer era and my art teachers were not very encouraging about "making a living" in the art world drawing by hand...those days were on the way out. After three years, anxious to grow up and earn a living, I left college to begin a career in banking...not very artsy!
LC: I've always considered myself more"artsy" than Artist. I love making things-whether it's with a glue stick, glitter and construction paper, or fancy pastel paper with the nicest pastels on the planet. I am insatiably curious and therefore my art journey has led me in many, many directions-- from wood turning, pottery making, stained glass work, quilting and to of course most currently painting in pastels. I have loved all of it.
PSST: What is your art background?
LC: I attended Mount Carmel a parochial school here in Houston and was given lots of creative freedom by my art teachers. It was a wonderfully progressive school and I was encouraged to try many different creative art mediums from silkscreen printing to set design along with traditional drawing, painting etc. After graduation, off to college I went to Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas, majoring in Fine Arts--thinking I would be a Graphics Artist/Illustrator. However, I was on the cusp of the computer era and my art teachers were not very encouraging about "making a living" in the art world drawing by hand...those days were on the way out. After three years, anxious to grow up and earn a living, I left college to begin a career in banking...not very artsy!
Ironically, my "informal" art background has taught me more about art than I ever learned in "school". And, I have PSST and a scheduling error to thank for that chance happening! I have always wished I could just find my "Teacher". A person who's art would absolutely "Wow!" me. I found that art teacher in Linda Dellandre, and a pastel painting of a tree. If you don't think a tree painting can "Wow!" you and inspire you...you haven't seen Linda's. That day I watched Linda's demo and meet many of you PSST members and I knew I was on my way. I happily paid my membership dues...and started my lessons with Linda shortly afterwards.
In addition to Linda, I would also like to mention in this section how grateful I am to many of you for freely sharing different tips, advice and resources you have learned and gathered along your own personal art journeys. Your selfless giving makes PSST thrive and fledgling artists like me feel welcome and supported. Thank you!
In addition to Linda, I would also like to mention in this section how grateful I am to many of you for freely sharing different tips, advice and resources you have learned and gathered along your own personal art journeys. Your selfless giving makes PSST thrive and fledgling artists like me feel welcome and supported. Thank you!
PSST: What are your goals as an artist?
LC: I am far from where I see myself-artistically. Each piece I have put my heart and effort into- I am proud of and connected to. But, sometimes, some way you know you are not even close to where you are headed...that's what I feel...that is where I am going. I am excited.
PSST: What events do you have scheduled?
LC: I have been invited to be the featured artist in an old, but new Houston icon...Harold's in the Heights. A very fun, delicious Heights restaurant, with lots of ambiance. May, 2015. More details to come.
LC: I am far from where I see myself-artistically. Each piece I have put my heart and effort into- I am proud of and connected to. But, sometimes, some way you know you are not even close to where you are headed...that's what I feel...that is where I am going. I am excited.
PSST: What events do you have scheduled?
LC: I have been invited to be the featured artist in an old, but new Houston icon...Harold's in the Heights. A very fun, delicious Heights restaurant, with lots of ambiance. May, 2015. More details to come.
PSST: Where do you paint?
LC: I have a wonderful spot in my home which is all mine to be as messy as I like. Which I tend to be in stretches...then I have to organize and "cleanup"...so to speak after a certain amount of pastel chaos! It is perfect.
Also, in my studio/art area I rely heavily on the inspiration and critique from my Merry Grace. She is very wise. If you are feeling a little "art block"...get you one of these...really frees you up!
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Merry Grace.
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