Elizabeth Sullivan
Tell us a little about you?
I am a mixed media artist living in Sydney, married with 3 children ranging in ages from 18 to 10. I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand where I lived until my early 20s. Drawn to travel (like so many antipodeans!) I left NZ bound for the UK, working in England and France (meeting my husband along the way) before settling in Australia in 2004.
My love of colour and pattern began as a child and I expressed these through drawing and painting, collaging and stitching. Over my adult years these forms of expression have evolved and flourished into my current art making. I am predominantly self-taught, however I have attended numerous art courses and workshops over the years learning techniques and processes that continually help me develop my own style and artistic language.
What is your favourite drink?
I have two. Coffee and champagne! I will always start any studio session with a coffee (though it’s usually not my first of the day!), it prepares me for painting.
What inspired you to start painting?
I began painting later in life, in my 40s. I’ve always been a creative person, dabbling in lots of different crafts since I was a child. When we started our family my husband and I made the decision that I would be a full-time parent and so for many years, until our children were older, I devoted myself to that, crafting and making things when time allowed. When my middle child was at pre-school, I decided take a watercolour and mixed media course, and I absolutely loved it. I dabbled and experimented in that for quite a few years, for enjoyment and relaxation, until my third child started school and I had more time. I have been very fortunate to travel extensively and I love beautiful things; nature, landscape, objects, patterns, textiles, furnishings. I wanted to explore painting as a form of self-expression and interpretation of the elements of beauty I see in every day life, and I draw on all of these aspects as inspiration to paint.
I love working in different mediums; watercolour, gouache, ink, acrylic, pen, collage and stitching. My artworks can incorporate some, or all of these mediums. Mixed media bring texture and tactility and these are components I particularly enjoy.
What advice would you give other artists/creatives starting out?
Just begin and paint what brings YOU joy. It will take time so don’t expect fantastic results at the beginning; the only way to evolve and get better is to make a lot of art; create every day. Keep experimenting. If you are serious about developing your art practice then immerse yourself; not just by creating/painting but by going and looking at great art – visit Galleries, exhibitions, read, learn. Attend selective classes/workshops. Enjoy the process, that’s the most important thing, and if you love what you’ve created, fantastic!
You can read more about Elizabeth Sullivan here.