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Soaring to Success
Interviews of Artists, Writers and PhotographersTheir work, creative spaces and techniques
ELIZABETH ST. HILAIRE NELSON
This admirable girl is already Soaring..she has reached success...but this driven artist pushes though everything with her determination and perseverance. Once she reaches a goal, I can see that she reaches higher for a new goal, once she reaches that ... another new, higher goal. She's not finished, she is ready for anything life tosses her way. She is open to the twists and turns and new highways ahead. If you know of Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, then you know what I'm talking about...if you don't know her then you will be glad that I'm introducing you to her now! This extraordinary artist is one you will be thrilled to follow!
1. Introduce yourself. Name, City, State, Country .. and describe what you do, what’s your passion?
Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, Collage .. from Longwood, Florida, USA
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| Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson |
Here is what Elizabeth does...see what her passion is ---
Click on this link to see her!!!
TV Interview on PBS!!!!! She has a fascinating story!
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| Recent piece! (Too cute!!!) |
2. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have wanted to be an artist since I was in elementary school. When I heard the art teacher making her rounds with the Art Cart in the hallway, I would be riddled with anticipation of her coming to our room. As she handed out the little green handled scissors, construction paper, glitter, glue, and told us to start to cut and paste ornaments on a collaged christmas tree, I was filled with joy. This has always been my experience with art, from the very beginning.
3. What are your fears? How have you faced them?
I am afraid of Sharks. I really am. This is ironic because I am a triathlete, which means I have to compete in a swim. I used to limit myself to races which only included fresh water swims. Last April I made myself sign up for St. Anthony's and I started training and mentally preparing for an open ocean swim. I trained with a plastic shark tub toy, took him to every swim, in my pocket on every ride, and tucked into my shoulder strap on every run. I reminded myself that it was a silly fear that I just needed to face and get past. I did it! I completed the one-mile open ocean swim in the Tampa Bay, I am still afraid but I just make myself get in that water and try to remind myself of all the fears I have faced in my career, and conquered. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. (see photo)
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| Nelson's fear... sharks! |
4. What makes you different…unique from others?
Only upon close inspection do people typically realize that the art is made of tiny bits of torn paper adhered on top of an acrylic painting, on wood panel.
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| Hand- Painted Papers |
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| More Painted Papers |
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| painted papers by Nelson |
5. Any secrets to reveal about the tools you use or your techniques? Tips or tricks? What makes your art different?
(Joan's comment:) Oh, so your kids don't have to use the excuse, "the dog ate the homework"...instead it's..."my mom used my homework in her artwork" excuse!!! ...LOL sooo funny...just kidding!
My inspirational quote: "When was the last time you did something for the first time?" I am always trying to do more.
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| Goat |
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| Boy Scout group |
I want to experience all that I can on this journey. Every year I try to do something different, try something new. I started training and competing in the sport of triathlon when I was 40. I joined the community symphony as an adult after years of hiatus from my childhood violin lessons. This year I plan to become a Hospice volunteer. In two years I might try to complete a Half Iron Man, maybe. In 5 years I'd like to be a total full time artist, not having to rely on my graphic design skills to make a living. In 10 years I'd like to consider teaching art at the college level, and perhaps earn a Master's degree in Art History myself. But I always leave my heart, my mind, and my options open, because you just never know where this journey is going to take you.
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| Elizabeth Nelson at work |
7. Where is your creative space or studio?
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| Her Studio |
My art studio is a free standing building in my back yard. 20-paces from my kitchen door, I am allowed to multi task to the extreme. Cook dinner, run laundry, varnish, drive kids to dance/swim, work at my computer, paint an under--painting.
8.How much time do you devote to your work?
Because I am a full time mom, a part time graphic artist, and a part time painter, my studio time can be hap hazard. I try to paint all day on Thursday and Friday. Sometimes if my M,T,W are not too crazy, I get out there in the afternoon on those days as well. Sometimes I paint at night to catch up. Weekends are fair game for anything, that's the beauty of the space being so close to home, yet separated enough that I can leave it a mess and close the door.
9. What are your “whispers” or callings begging you to do?
I want to earn a Masters in Art History, I want to write a memoir,
10. Do you keep a daily journal or sketchbook, or write in a diary?
I do not. I keep a pile of scrap papers with notes on them that I often cannot find when I need them.
:)
:)
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| Nelson with all her hand-painted papers |
11. How do you market yourself? How do you plan to get “the word” out there??
My marketing includes FaceBook, Blog, Instagram, Twitter, self promotional printed materials (postcards, brochures)
12. What type of music (if any) do you listen to when you create?
Musical choice runs the gamut for me. I like Top 40, Jazz, Memphis Blues. My all-time favorite band is Big Head Todd and the Monsters. They make me smile, and being happy makes for some good painting.
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| Over the Moon |
13. Who is your favorite artist, photographer, author? … In other words, who do you admire, and look up to?
My husband is my favorite photographer: DouglasNelsonPhotography.com Facebook: DouglasNelsonPhotography
My favorite artist has been Gustav Klimt since college. I love reading the hook and twist mystery novels of Harlan Coben. Current artists I admire are Kimberly Kelly Santini for her color and juicy brush work and Lisa Daria Kennedy for her detail within her simplicity. Margaret Dyer for her amazing color in pastel, and Larry Moore for his incredible plein air landscapes.
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| Artist friends, her daughter and Elizabeth |
My husband and children are incredibly supportive in my creative path. I could not do it without them. My fellow artist friends are amazing for support and sound-boarding. I am very lucky.
15. How do come up with titles for your work?
16. Do you work on one project at a time ..or have several going on at a time?
I typically have several things going on at one time to meet the demand of various deadlines. And once in a while i throw something on the easel just for me.
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| Off the Deep End |
Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson
call me 321-277-4553
Elizabeth: You are one amazingly talented woman!
TOTALLY NEW!
call me 321-277-4553
Elizabeth: You are one amazingly talented woman!
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| My own Elizabeth Nelson piece -Paper Paintings Collage Original!! |
I admire your perseverance through your life's journey. I have to tell you that you are remarkable in the way that you approach your time management for family, work, artwork, exercise and all ...makes me realize I must get a "move-on" and get myself in gear. I could accomplish so much more if I would use my time wisely...what an incredible person you are!
Because you are such a marvelous artist with an unbelievable amount of energy to accomplish all that you do, I knew that you would be the perfect artist to feature on my blog as inspiration to all the other artists and creative souls that are reading this post!!!! THANK YOU! xxoo JOAN
If you are an artist and would like to be featured on this blog, please contact me for consideration. joanecarver@yahoo.com
9 comments:
Wow, Joan, who knew when you bought the Koi Fish from me that it would turn into such an amazing blog post! what a lot of work you put into this and I totally appreciate it. I am humbled and honored. Thank you thank you, I hope I answered your questions completely, I am easily distracted. :) thanks for your comments. My kids homework was always used in my work after it was no longer pertinent! LOL when I teach 5th graders I encourage them to use their own work but only AFTER it's been graded.
I really enjoyed this interview with Elizabeth. I have taken a couple mini-workshops with her, and she is such a warm, down to earth and humble human being. Her art is a representation of her wonderful soul.
Very good I know we only can we help artists and disseminate our work around the world.
You're so welcome, Elizabeth! You were a pleasure to write about and your artwork is so colorful and wonderful!!!!! I think your are very interesting to read about, because you are an inspiration to all of us!!!
It was a honor to have you on my Making Waves blog...thank you!
Thank you, Deborah and Joao!!!
What a great post about an amazingly talented artist. I love her work. I love that she hand paints her paper too, adding to the richness of her colourful work. Thank you sharing her work with us I will look out for her now.
Suzi, thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I knew our group of flyers would benefit from this talented artist. There was a time when some (of our group) artists were worried about using print scrap booking paper and magazines for their collage work - licensing their art would be a problem, because the "scrapbooking companies" would want a percentage! ... So Elizabeth is a fine example for all those mixed media artists, by seeing her make her own papers!
I love her art, it is so unique, colorful and just straight out amazing! <3
Thank you all so very much and Deb, I've enjoyed working with you! Thanks again Joan. Send everyone to Facebook for work in progress Facebook.com/paperpaintingscollageartwork
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