surtex
2017
lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com MAY 21-23
BOOTH #3041
1 JAVITS CENTER, NYC
How I Got Here There are at least two answers to how I got to the Javits Center on May 21, 2107.
Answer #2
answer #1 (aka the short(er) answer)
So . . . the longer answer—this involves five unique career paths and a stroke. For the sake of space and interest, I’ll convert it to the USA Today version.
The weekend of January 30, 2016. That’s when I found what I’d been looking for, for years—an online pattern class called Pattern Camp, led by seasoned pattern designer and artist, Jessica Swift. By the end of that weekend I was gob smacked and haven’t looked back. February 1, 2016, I started creating a pattern portfolio—because it was what I was “supposed” to do—not exactly sure what having one would do for me. May 17, 2016—I was on a train to NYC to walk Surtex to see what I could see. The beautiful art overwhelmed me, and I was star struck and humbled by interactions with generous, supportive and encouraging artists—Jos Proust of Four Corners Art Collective, Pam Convery-Hamilton, Marian Nixon, and Amy L. Frazer—to name drop a few. The next day, more resolved than ever to be at Surtex in 2017, I threw myself into creating more art, researching booth ideas and planning how to make it happen. I credit Jennifer Nelson’s Prep Talks, a new-found local artist friend—Susanne Kasielke—and my accountability partner— Shannon McNab—with providing the support and encouragement that got me here. And none of this would have been possible without the, full-on belief in me of my husband—Altyn.
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As a child, I loved making things with—fabric, paint, clay, beads—I rarely met a medium I didn’t like. Space and money were the constraints. When I went to college, the message I heard was— making art wasn’t a viable career path. The next best thing, in my mind, was to be near art—so I settled on becoming a museum curator—hello Career Path #1 (CP1). Following graduate school for CP1, and a brief turn at a couple of jobs which paid less than a starting teacher’s salary, I wound up taking a temporary job with an Industrial Engineer. This became an extended journey in project coordination and financial and administrative management—CP2. Not nearly as soul fulfilling, and it paid the bills. Along the way I got married and had a baby—both amazing experiences. And when the baby became a toddler, my husband fired me from his company! He saw sooner than I did that CP2 was not my bliss, and he gave me space to invest in equipment and supplies, make art, and take the creative risks I’d always wanted to but had been blocked by practicality. I took classes and started a freelance graphic design practice. Mostly, I was thrilled with the clients and work I was creating (CP3), though in the back of my mind I felt something still was missing.
www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com
How I Got Here Then I had a stroke. It wasn’t catastrophic, by any means. It did, however, take over a year to be able to carry on the conversations necessary to maintain and build a business. During that period, the Internet experienced growth that, I found, made it much more challenging to be a sole-practitioner of graphic design. Creating framed art using business card-sized “canvases” and collaging paper was my next move (CP4). I took my art to shows and sales, and all the while, thought about how to create my own paper designs. I began searching for a way to do that—creating patterns on my own, knowing nothing about the process of repeat patterns. It found me, finally. Pattern Camp—my passion and calling— had a name and an outlet, to say nothing of an incredible amount to learn and have fun with. Now I create patterns that add beauty to every day functions. (Hello CP5!) Here I am! (Nice to meet you.)
lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com
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What I Do Hmmmm. . .to put it succinctly—
I Pattern on Purpose
Inspired by nature, exploring patterns that are representational and abstract, drives my daily creative practice. Experiencing my patterns adding beauty to functional everyday items—wallpaper, pillows, aprons, upholstery, bedding—brings me joy. My palette leans toward bold, rich colors—whether a kitchen theme, holiday project or something from the garden. To put it another way. . .I
bring art to life.
If you have something specific in mind, let’s start a conversation around what’s possible.
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www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com
Pattern on Purpose Inspiration and Process Ideas and inspiration come rapidly, and aren’t always captured! They often come after I’ve wandered a bit through the woods, neighborhood, or farm market. I begin with an artifact or photo that I’ve taken. A sketch book (or lately, a digital tablet) is my preferred way to capture ideas. After sketching, and inking, if I’m working off line, the image is transferred, either via scan or photo, into my digital work flow. I often have a palette in mind when I start, and sometimes it’s freeing to let it come as I’m working. Almost without exception, I envision the use or application as the creating begins.
lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com
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Patterns on Products
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†Spoonflower | Roostery www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com
Pattern Press
Uppercase | All About You - Jan. 28, 2017
Digital Textile - Issue 5
Print & Pattern | April 26, 2017
lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com
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FAQ’s (and one that’s fun) What inspires you? Nature, symmetry (or no symmetry!), organic shapes, movement, flow, bold color, mood - anything in which I find joy..
What’s your favorite color? As I design more patterns, I’m finding that my color choices are evolving. While my personal aesthetic tends toward greys and blues, with a touch of purple and green, the patterns I create are a bit more vibrant and the colors I explore in my palettes are often bolder than what I would choose, personally.
What do you want to get from your first Surtex experience? So, a successful Surtex experience is one where I present a professional booth, I learn a TON, have fun, and get some contacts to follow up with when I get home.
Is there something in your past that links to this adventure? When we were 10, my best friend and I would draw floor plans of our dream houses and imagine how we would decorate them. Today, she’s still my best friend. She’s an interior designer, and I’m creating fabric to put in houses. . .who’d a thunk?
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www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com
Getting in Touch Reaching out I’m eager to learn about your projects and start a conversation around what’s possible. You will find me in these spaces/places: email: lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com phone: 703.256.6944 web: www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com IG: @lizzieclarkdesigns Linked In: Lizzie (Elizabeth Holmes) Clark
lizzie@lizzieclarkdesigns.com
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www.lizzieclarkdesigns.com