Meet Elise Rise

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elise Rise a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elise, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I think we all start out optimistic as kids with a belief we can do and be anything–but we lose this perspective once fear and doubt sets in. For me it was essential as an artist to reclaim that childlike radical optimism.

After college, I moved to New York with the dream of becoming an artist, and took a job at Christie’s auction house to support myself. Though related to art, I realized after four years that this job was consuming all the energy and time I needed to create art.

The truth is that I was pouring energy into my “career” and never making time for art because I was afraid. I worried that if I wasn’t a successful artist–I would need a fallback career. I thought I was being practical but really I was scared of being a failure.

This realization led me to establish my own marketing company, Rise Agency. I didn’t need a backup career. I needed to balance the energetic pursuit of my artistic expression with a source of income that could support me. Working for myself and running my own business allows me agency over my schedule, my time, and my life, and creates the environment for me to flourish as an artist.

Thriving in creative work requires an “all-in” mindset– focusing your full attention on your end goal not on back-up contingency plans for if it doesn’t work out. Being “all-in” bridges the gap between current realities and future possibilities. It’s about reclaiming the fearlessness we had as children and committing to manifesting our dreams with optimism and joy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m excited to talk to you about the projects I’ve been working on this year.. While painting has always been my native language, my art practice has come to extend beyond the conventional canvas. Across all bodies of my work, I am fascinated by the power of storytelling and how narratives shape us.

My most recent series, my solo debut painting show, Blue Light, centers on this theme; exploring the power and impact of storytelling within the context of social media and digital interaction. The paintings depict figures with bent necks, and clawed hands, alone in dark bedrooms with their devices. Caught in private moments of captivation and hypnotized by the glow of their screens, the paintings probe the ways in which social media, aka, storytelling platforms shape our thoughts, actions, and our bodies.

I am delving even further into this theme through a new immersive project that I’ll be launching this autumn. I’m not yet ready to release the name or details but the project will be announced publicly soon on my website and Instagram. This new project will explore the impulse to collect as a creative act in and of itself. Whether it’s electronics, cars, trading cards, or art these are choices that reveal a great deal about our personalities. This project will explore how collecting—making choices based on preference, value, and community—mirrors the processes of identity formation. It’s a look at how we define ourselves, craft our stories, and find meaning through the objects and memories we choose and keep.

Currently, I am in the process of selecting artists for the project’s debut this autumn. I am welcoming artists working across a diverse array of media including sculpture, film, ceramics, digital, and wearable art. If you’re interested in being selected as an artist please reach out to me via social media or through my website (links below). I’m also looking for collectors who would like to be involved in the first launch or would like to invest in the project. More details will be announced soon on my website and Instagram, but I encourage direct inquiries through social media or my website, available via the links provided.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my artistic journey, the concept of hyperfocus, or flow, emerges as both a significant asset and a challenge. Being able to immerse myself in a state of flow has profoundly impacted my work, allowing for extended periods of deep productivity and creativity. This trance-like state enhances the depth and quality of my art but managing it has been a learning curve.

For years, the addictive nature of flow led to a neglect of time and other commitments, causing disruptions in my life similar to the absent-minded professor archetype in films like “Flubber.” Recognizing the need for balance, I now embrace this ability as my superpower. I designate specific times, like Thursday afternoons, solely for my creative work with no interruptions, communicated clearly to those in my life.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to understand and harness your unique strengths, even if they come with challenges. Setting boundaries and dedicated times for your passions can prevent the potential downsides of these intense focus periods. Embrace your capabilities, but keep a structured schedule to maintain harmony between your passion and responsibilities. Lest I make it sound like I’ve mastered this – I still really struggle with finding the right mix of structure and flexibility. It continues to be a challenge.

There will always be challenges though, so another crucial trait that’s been pivotal for me has been the ability to set high standards but without succumbing to perfectionism. It’s important to be ambitious and acknowledge areas for improvement, but equally vital to avoid self-criticism that can be destructive. Self-love and appreciation are fundamental and they enable you to ask the same of others without hypocrisy. Cultivating these qualities furthers personal growth but also sets a foundation for professional success. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.

My last advice for those early in their journey is to embrace and cultivate curiosity. Don’t limit yourself to a single medium or style, despite advice to the contrary. This trait has been a cornerstone in my artistic development, propelling me to explore various techniques, styles, and mediums. It has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone to constantly seek out new knowledge and inspiration. I learned this lesson from reading biographies, including one on Leonardo Da Vinci. Despite the pressure to deliver paintings to his patrons, Da Vinci let his curiosity guide his actions. This approach not only enriched his knowledge but also led to the creation of iconic artworks, like the Mona Lisa, renowned for its depiction of a smile, informed by his studies in human anatomy.

So, ignore the conventional pressures and allow your interests and curiosity to steer your path. You’ll find that this not only enriches your work but also keeps it vibrant and evolving.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, absolutely! I am currently seeking to partner with fellow creatives and entrepreneurs who are passionate about innovative collaborations. I’m particularly excited about the prospect of working together on several fronts.
Firstly, I am eager to connect with artists from various mediums interested in being featured in a collection project I recently mentioned. If you’re a creative individual keen on learning more about this project, or if you wish to be considered as an early investor or VIP collector, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Additionally, I’m looking to collaborate on projects involving immersive theater, events, parties, or creative film ventures. Having previously worked on numerous collaborative projects, I bring experience in scriptwriting, concept development, and the creation of unique costumes, sets, and other artistic elements. I believe that by merging our talents and perspectives, we can create truly groundbreaking and innovative works.

Lastly, if you’re in need of a new brand, website, graphic design, or digital marketing support, I would be delighted to assist you through my creative marketing firm, Rise Agency.

If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, please reach out! You can connect with me through my website or social media. I’m always open to new ideas and partnerships, and I’m eager to see what we can create together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sean Velasco-Dodge (for the cover photo I submitted)

Sean Velasco-Dodge or Amrité depending on which image (let me know which you use)

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