Elizabeth Bain – Art and Cake

Elizabeth Bain
Glendale, CA
Age 79

What keeps you excited in the studio?
That a road map or sketch you developed to work on can change and deepen unexpectedly to become much more.

Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
I have been able to disclose more of my inner life visually as time has gone on. And feel more comfortable using a combination of acquired and long forgotten skills.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
Integrity in a commercial corporate world

What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
I was told that if you had to take a job it should be something that doesn’t detract from your work as an artist. As though creativity was finite and had to be protected. I found that your creativity is boundless and can be found in the most mundane work you find yourself doing. But an artist needs to put that creativity to work in your studio.

Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
I think it does matter. As physical abilities may be less, still experienced, thoughtful work continues. As I look at artists my age many are now doing their best work. Some have changed the work entirely, but many have been able to develop and deepen their skills over the years.

What can we look forward to from you next?
I’ve been working with the outdoors: abstracted nature, landscape, architecture. I’ve recently moved to consider the inside incorporating some “inside weather” with favorite interior items I live with and which have inspiration and meaning for me. I’m also thinking about small wall sculpture but totally different from my mixed – media pieces of the 80’s.

Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
After a long held job I was ecstatic about being in my studio full-time. I didn’t know what kind of work I would do but I knew it was going to be different. I switched from doing sprayed minimalist geometric wall constructions to painting on an easel. I wanted to somehow to use everything I loved about geometry with my ability to work realistically. I’m definately more committed to working hard and more confident in my work then ever. I realize time and energy are at premium at this stage of life and right now is the time to make the images I still feel the need to make while I still have the skills to do it. The downside is not as much energy for openings and meeting other artists.

elizabethbain.com
@elizabethbainart