In the Studio with Artist Liza Figueroa
We ask artists from community, to tell their story, talk about their technique and how they achieve success as an artist. As we celebrate Women’s month, we wanted to highlight the strong women artists in our community and Liza was someone that we wanted to learn more about. She currently lives in Linthicum, Maryland and when she’s not creating art, she works at Medstar Harbor Hospital.
She loves to paint, draw, crochet, and create custom funko pops.
Liza lights up the room with her energy and she’s a huge supporter of the arts, I’m so excited to have Liza share with you her art, process and experience.
When did you realize you were an artist?
My brothers and I were always drawing and creating our own scenarios with our toys so I think I've always considered myself an artist. I would see or hear something that would inspire a piece and sometimes that piece would be all I could think about until I finally got it down on paper or finished the project.
How did you get into your art/side-gig?
Art has always played a major part in my life but moreso once I went to college. I was going through a lot of emotional stress and was battling some inner demons during my teen years and while I was in school in Wisconsin I was surrounded by diverse and supportive circle of friends. I had an amazing professor who understood me and, as long as I understood the assignment, allowed me to create according to how i was feeling. Art became my way of expressing what i could not vocally nor in words. I also find art relaxing and a great distraction from all the stress that can come from life.
What's your favorite piece of artwork that you have created and why?
My favorite piece is a painting I did last winter of sampaguitas also known as Philippine Jasmine. I've never been good at painting people nor objects but this had been on my mind for awhile. It's a flower that reminds me of my family and our cultural background. This painting was one of the few pieces where I wasn't just expressing what was in my head but it was a piece that I had to carefully plan out to get it just right. It was the most difficult to paint and most satisfying to see finished.
What food, drink, song inspires you?
When I'm about to create a piece I play music that matches how I'm feeling at the moment. I've created playlists for each mood. In each of those playlists I do have some Queen, Foo Fighters, NKOTB and the Kpop group 2PM. Last year I attended a show at CAC and fell in love the music of Ainsley McGray especially the song "Carry Me". I've played that on repeat a couple of times when I felt the need to release my stress on paper.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
When a loved one of a friend passes and I draw or paint tribute their responses are the most memorable.
What work do you most enjoy creating?
I mostly enjoy creating gifts for loved ones. Due to the pandamic I've enjoyed virtual paint nights with my friends since we can't be around each other physically.
What’s your favorite quote?
During an 1993 interview, before his untimely death on set of The Crow, actor Brandon Lee paraphrased a paragraph from the book The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles and its been a favorite ever since: "Because we do not know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well, and yet everything happens only a certain number of times. How many more time will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood that is so deeply a part of your being you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more? Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps, twenty. And yet it all seem limitless."
What role does the artist have in society?
The artist can play many roles in society. First they can help bring a creative and visual awareness to what is going on in the world in ways newspapers and television can't. At the same time the creations of artists can bring a sense of hope and positivity while inspiring others to create. Without art the world would be bleak and boring.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job has always have a small place thats an arts and books cafe/venue. A place where people can settle down on a comfortable couch with friend(or strangers) while sipping on coffee and eating locally made baked goods. They can discuss books, paint or make a clay sculture. They can purchase a painting or the latest novel from a local artist/author. There will be a small stage where local bands and singers would perfrom or a poetry slam would be held.
Is there any local artist that Inspires you? If so, who and why?
Every time I go to an art show at CAC or the Ocean City Center for the Arts I'm inspired. Last October while in OC I attended The Vision: Empowering Women Through Art. Saw so many powerful and inspiring pieces and met a few of the artists as well. One piece, in particular caught my eye. The acrylic painting was titled Ubuntu and it was created by Delaware artist Dee Gray. The next day I was able to meet her and look at/shop from more of her work. She also works with mixed media and I love how every piece has a message of hope and/or motivation. There is also two Floridian artist that continue to inspire me. Louis Lochead creates these beautiful masterpieces from torn up magazines and paint. The other is Fabio Napoleoni who draws and paints whimsical characters that promote love and friendship.
Why art? Because it is what moves me.
Anything else we should know about you?
Not about me but my older brother is an amazing Illustrator and both his sons are amazing artist as well. Demi, who is 11, is already amazing with creating figures out of clay and his younger brother Daren, age 9, is continuously drawing his own characters.
You can found out more about Liza or follow her art on Facebook or on Instagram.
