Meet Elise! I have had the privilege of knowing this red-headed cutie since high school as she was one of my friend's cool, big sister. (You may have even seen her in some of my previous blog posts such as
this one!) And let me tell you, she was and still is the epitome of a cool, big sister.
I remember I met her over the years throughout high school whenever I would stop by my friend's house after class. However, I knew I really made it to the cool club when she graciously invited me over to her apartment to watch some good ol' Family Guy with her and the crew. Immediately we bonded over vinyls, the love for succulents, and how important ambient lighting is in an environment. Needless to say, I developed an instant girl crush on her, and her outlook on life.
Since then, Elise and I have had an ever-evolving friendship. We both have moved in and out of different cities over the years, but we still manage to keep in touch one way or another...and yes I still think of her as that cool, big sister.
When I think of someone marching to the beat of their own drum in life, I immediately think of Elise. She is one who always puts her dreams
and ability to love before fear, and that is something I admire greatly. The reason why I want to introduce Elise to you, is she is about to have her first series of trunk shows at
Kansas City Kitty in Fort Collins, Colorado March 11th-13th. I thought it would be fun to do a little questionnaire with her so you can get a glimpse of her art, and her beautiful soul.
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Name: Elise Michelle Kaye Zahtila or 'Ez'
City you were born in: Dallas, Texas
City you are currently living in: Fort Collins, CO ... AKA the happiest place on Earth.
Occupation: Full Time Student studying Counseling Psychology, Artist/Photographer .........and my alter ego works in Old Town at Alpine Arts to pay the bills. She's a trooper.
How would you describe your artwork?
There's this concept that just sort of floated in my mind one day, that in order for me to create, I have to destroy. See, my art is mixed media (multiple components other than paint and canvas) and part of that includes taking apart old books and magazines in order to rescue and reuse old images.
Which is where this mantra, "Deconstruct the forgotten to Reconstruct the memorable" comes from... And I think that really gives a good idea of what I'm trying to do with my paintings.... With the smaller pieces, fantastical little 'ditties' as I call them, they grow from a different mantra "From the Brightest corners of my Dream Box". And honestly, I felt like a kid again playing pretend and instead of putting my toys away I sealed them all together to share.
Some of my pieces are trying to evoke a certain reaction and common thought, but a lot of my art is supposed to make you smile and take you away from the present for a while... And a lot of it won't make sense, and its not supposed to...
If there was any lesson I learned last year, it was that you won't be able to explain to everyone, or yourself, why you did what you did every time you do something. And the beauty is that you don't have to... I want some of that to come out of my art. Like it because you enjoy it regardless of "why".
I want my art to be sexy, stimulating and a shade out of the ordinary. If the first reaction everyone has to my art, is to cock their head to side and wonder with a smile, then I've accomplished what I set out to do.
What is your inspiration behind your work? Or, where do you like to find inspiration for your work?
Hardest question... Two part answer I think. First, it flows from where I mentioned earlier, "my dream box". I'm one of the lucky 30 year olds whose imagination never turned off.
I find inspiration in inside jokes, auto correct, from what people say in desperation or in excitement. From images or situations that my mind twists around in my head and I put it to canvas with some dry humor sprinkled on... Mostly everything I create, makes me laugh in the out louds, a lot.
To be completely honest, art has been my number one passion since my wee beginning, all types and forms. But unlike country singers and poets, I can't create when I am sad/tired/frustrated/depressed/heartbroken. You should see some of my attempts, enough to make you depressed if you weren't before.
My passion lately seeps from meeting the love of my life and entering into a state of bliss I have never known... And don't get me wrong, there are still bad and imperfect days.... But this passion of mine has come cut loose and I can't stop imagining the next piece or another technique I want to try. At any given time I am working on between 3-7 pieces at a time.... He empowers, motivates and inspires me to more.
What is your favorite medium to work with, and why?
All of it. I say that because of the range of freedom. I work in area called Mixed Media, which is almost like saying "Undeclared Major" in college. Because I don't have to stay within the confines of oil paints, acrylics, water color, clay, porcelain, etc.... If I wanted to put ALL of those on the canvas including a tin can and a thimble, with my on technique, it isn't 'wrong'... More importantly it allows me to satisfy every urge of my own, which allows me to stimulate my audience the way I want with no boundaries or 'rules'.
What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Going places and doing things I've never done, adventures with my weiner dog Oliver. Getting lost in my 'craft boxes' or in a book. Anything that involves outside and no time constraints... Photo wanderings.
Name 5 things people probably don't know about you.
- I've swam with Whale Sharks. I wasn't supposed to, but I did anyway. Always 'do it anyway'.
- I've never taken any kind of art or photography class.
-I don't believe in the "news".
-I grew up in the UK and have lived in 4 different countries and traveled to 23 including Cuba.
-I put shredded cheddar cheese on my frosted mini-wheats. TRY IT, stop laughing.
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Thank you Elise for taking the time to share a bit about yourself and your art! To follow more of Elise, and her creations find her online!
