We were lucky to catch up with Liz Lancaster recently and have shared our conversation below.
Liz, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Inspiration isn’t something you chase; it’s something you invite in by being open and prepared.
My creativity is fueled by spontaneity and curiosity—I’m always open to letting inspiration find me. I believe creativity isn’t something you can force or plan; it’s about staying open to exploration, connecting with others, and working through ideas with a sense of freedom. Interesting conversations and meeting people who see the world differently often spark new perspectives in my work. I also make sure my space is ready to support that spontaneity. I surround myself with the tools and setups I need to reduce friction, so that when inspiration strikes, I can dive right into creating. For me, staying curious and ready is the key to keeping creativity alive.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As an oil painter and muralist, I create art that connects memory, emotion, and the beauty of everyday life. My work is grounded in realism with a contemporary impressionist twist, often inspired by nostalgic moments and physical mementos, like Polaroids or family photos, that I’ve collected over the years. What excites me most about my work is how these pieces often spark memories in others too, inviting them to pause and feel connected to those universal moments of joy, loss, or wonder. I’m especially passionate about using both brushwork and palette knife techniques to create dreamlike textures and layers, adding depth and emotion to each piece. I am so excited to be releasing many new paintings and prints this fall as well, I’ll be adding these to my website at www.lizlancasterart.com and also sharing everything on instagram, @lizllancaster
In addition to my fine art, I also create murals that bring vibrant, story-driven visuals to public and private spaces throughout Southern California. Recently, I completed a mural celebrating the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, which was featured in publications like CBS Channel 8 News and The San Diego Tribune – I also just heard that the story was just marked to go national as well!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I think three qualities have shaped my journey as an artist: resilience in the face of failure, resourcefulness, and authenticity.
The first quality—resilience—comes down to not fearing mistakes or rejection. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that failure is part of the process. Art isn’t always about getting it right; it’s about experimenting and taking risks. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say, remember: it’s just paint; it’s just a canvas. Embracing mistakes opens the door to true creative freedom, and it’s often in those unplanned moments that the most interesting work emerges. This mindset has allowed me to connect to my work—and to others—on a more genuine level.
Second, learning to be resourceful and scrappy has been key. Early on, a professor challenged me to build a 10×10-foot sculpture with only $10. That assignment forced me to think creatively about materials and to get scrappy to achieve my vision. I ended up creating a massive sculpture from found objects and campus frat-house bottles, which taught me that you don’t always need the best or most expensive supplies to create impactful work. For emerging artists, I’d suggest embracing constraints you might face and using them as opportunities to think differently and explore techniques.
Finally, authenticity has been an anchor throughout my journey. Staying true to what inspires me and what I want to communicate in my art has shaped my unique voice. For those starting out, find what excites you and follow it, even if it’s different or unconventional. Authenticity is what makes your work memorable, and it’s what will resonate most deeply with others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always interested in collaborating with brands, businesses, and property owners who want to bring large-scale murals to life. Over the past year, I’ve been working on progressively larger mural projects, and I’d love to partner with those looking to make a bold, creative statement in their space. One thing that excites me about murals is the opportunity to engage the community in the process. I’ve recently incorporated live painting activations into mural projects, allowing people to interact with the art, add their touches, and experience the joy of creativity. I’m eager to find partners who want that community-focused, artistic edge for their business or property.
In addition to murals, I’m open to fine art commissions for anyone looking to beautify their home with a custom oil painting. Working with clients to bring their personal vision to life is incredibly rewarding, and I enjoy creating pieces that hold personal meaning and enhance their space.
I also love collaborating with other creatives—photographers, artists, models—anyone who’s passionate about making our local art scene vibrant. I often work with photographers on shoots in my home studio or at mural sites, and I enjoy life painting sessions with models or dancers. It’s all about finding ways to make the art community more connected and collaborative.
Anyone interested in partnering, commissioning work, or collaborating can reach out to me via my website or social media channels. I’m always excited to connect and create something special together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lizlancasterart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizllancaster/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/lizmurals
Image Credits
Derek Hall @derelique.hall
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
