Elizabeth Lana

I am Elizabeth Lana, I was born in Los Angels and attended college at the University of San Francisco and the Academy of Art. Currently I am living and working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

How would you describe your work for the first time?

Arresting. Bold images, whether black and white or vibrant colors, my work commands attention and its up to the viewer to interpret what they see.

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What materials do you use to create your art?

Mostly acrylic but recently I’ve been exploring mixing oil and acrylic to see what the two reactionary mediums create

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How has your place of birth affected your work?

Born in Los Angeles in the late 1960’s, I grew up in a world of sunshine, crisp whites and bright colors. My family was enthusiastic patrons of fine art. We spent many days at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena and the Getty in Malibu.

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What artists influence your work?

Mark Rothko. As a child I stood spellbound in front of one of his paintings, amazed colors could vibrate.

On Instagram my favorite artists for inspiration are Trine Panum and William McClure.

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How do you learn to take criticism of your work?

I look to take it constructively. But, I do find that listening to myself, in spite of what criticism I hear, has been an asset. I create work that is from my soul.

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If you could have a conversation with an artist who would you choose?

Van Gogh, without a doubt. I would want to let him know that his work is beloved and celebrated around the world and commands the highest prices at auction. I’m a sucker for an underdog and I hate to think he died not knowing the huge impact his work would have on painting as a whole.

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How has social media affected your work?

I love Instagram. I find the artistic community is incredibly important for feedback and encouragement.

I have also found opportunities through it. I have been awarded The Denis Diderot [A-i-R] Grant and will be attending an artist in residence program at the Chateau d’Orquevaux in France for the month of March.

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Favorite piece and why?

Broken Swastika. I live in Pittsburgh blocks from the Tree of Life Synagogue and the massacre that took place on October 27, 2018 greatly affected me and my community.

I wanted to create something different to express my disgust with anti-Semitism. This piece can be seen on page 46 and 47.

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What is your biggest success to date?

My biggest success to date was the sale of large works to a law firm in Chicago.

What’s the future of your art?

I’m looking forward to my residency in France to have a month to do nothing but paint. I have an idea incubating about a series of abstracts based on the Fall of Saigon in 1975.

Keep watching!

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Instagram: @elizabethlanafinearts