Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Lyon.
Elise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been an artist at my core. It’s hard to define a beginning to something that started way before my memories do. In the easiest way possible, I would have to start by saying I knew I was meant to create the first moment I recognized the fire in my belly wasn’t going to go away. It’s always sat next to passion and fear, two things that have drove me to all the indelible moments of my career so far. I learned how to extract outward influences and listen to my inner voice when it comes to making decisions on what and how to create. Self-expression is risky if you do it right. My journey so far has been more about finding my voice than anything else. By no mistake, I am where I am today by taking those risks. Speaking up in uncomfortable moments, developing an opinion and asking myself questions and not stopping until I find an answer. Of course, allowing the answer to be, ‘I simply do not know.’
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The road we take as artists are unique to each own. I don’t exactly have a cookie-cutter’ how-to book’ on what colors to mix and how many canvases to invest in each month. It’s no secret that the life of an artist can be financially difficult. I am grateful though. It’s built character and a story worth telling. I feel the most difficult part about my journey is the distance between me and my family. As much as I’d like to say they fully know the version of me that exists today, it’s also quite impossible considering all the moments we have both missed in each other’s lives. Still, they are my number one fans and I am theirs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is concentrated on the power of communal energy and the profound importance of self-love. I reflect stories of those closest to me while studying our connection and its effects.
My process begins by having someone sit for me in my studio. By positioning various light sources around the room, I create shadows of their figure – what I call a reflection of their soul.
After tracing their profile, I catch them in movement through photography. I will later use these images to find an organic position to pose their portrait in.
You will also see a similar profile repeated within my work. Over many processes of interviewing and tracing shadows of various people, I began to not only realize our spirits all mirror one another through shadow representation but, it is also noted that when we turn to look at ourselves, our shadows begin to flatten. It creates this elongated face. It opened a door of sorts, allowing all those who wish, the ability to enter.
It is a curious idea. The flattening of the face within the shadow creates this physical illusion that self no longer exists. Instead, the collective is born.
My figures reflect the shadows of these spiritual connections within that space, while representing a shared human experience. I am motivated by the desire to bring peace and understanding into someone’s space through their recognition of self. We are often too scared to do the work that allows us to grow. Once we learn to love ourselves completely, we are able to love others unconditionally.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk taking is a decision I make on a daily basis. It is essential to a process when your goal is to create change. I think we can get so caught up in what we are being told we’re supposed to be doing that we forget what we are capable of doing. I always say great change starts with one person. Take the risk and be that person. You never know what could happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eliselyonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliselyon_art
