Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Liz Foulks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Liz , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
A strong work ethic has always been a key part of my artistic journey. It’s not just about putting in the hours; it’s about a deep-rooted drive to constantly push myself further. This motivation to excel comes from a mix of influences and experiences that have shaped how I approach my art.
From early on, things like practicing the flute and training in Tae Kwon Do taught me the value of discipline and dedication. Even my time in school reinforced the importance of hard work and perseverance, which translated into my passion for creating art. Every stroke of the brush or swipe of the palette knife is fueled by this desire to improve, to learn something new with each piece I create.
It might surprise some to learn that, despite my affinity for creating dark and rebellious art, I have a deep respect for structure. While many may see artists as free-spirits, I thrive on following guidelines and staying true to certain conventions. But, this adherence to structure can sometimes be a double-edged sword, leading me to be overly critical of myself, even over the smallest details. Perhaps it’s this tension between rebellion and rigidity that fuels the edgy subject matter of my work—an expression of my own internal thoughts.
At its core, much of my art is a reflection of this constant push and pull between opposing forces: rebellion and structure, darkness and light. It’s about expressing myself while also striving for perfection, driven by a love for learning and a deep appreciation for the discipline it takes to create something truly meaningful.
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?
As an artist living and creating in the bustling heart of New York City, I find myself constantly immersed in the energy that surrounds me. Each day, I’m drawn into a dance between reality and imagination, fueled by the vibrant pulse of the city. What excites me most is exploring the interplay of contrasting elements, blending them together to craft something entirely new and captivating. While my recent works tend to explore darker themes, I strive to maintain an elegant and soft painting style that invites viewers to ponder the intricate nuances of the human form, seen through both realistic and abstract lenses.
Sharing my art in galleries across the city brings me so much joy, especially when I see how people react to it. Each interaction provides a unique perspective, often teaching me more about my own work than I initially envisioned. Last year was a whirlwind with two solo exhibitions and eight group shows. This year, I’m taking a bit of a step back, while remaining vigilant in my craft. At the top of the year, I taught myself how to paint with oils, and am currently refining a new series of work. I was delighted to be part of three group shows in March, showcasing my latest oil paintings. These exhibitions not only offered valuable feedback on my new pieces but also led to new connections and even attracted new collectors. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in an Art Talk at a gallery in Chelsea, where I presented my work and engaged with questions from the audience.
I was recently selected as an official gallery member at RIVAA Gallery in NYC, which I am incredibly thrilled about. This new opportunity not only gives me a bigger platform to share my artwork, but also lets me connect with my community in a meaningful way. Being part of a community has been something I’ve been longing for, and this feels like such a great step forward in my journey as an artist here in the city. I’m genuinely excited to see where this path takes me.
Beyond my paintings, I also find comfort in music; I’ve been playing the flute since I was 9 years old. Last year, I released two flute-beat albums in collaboration with producer, Musi. In October, we unveiled a villain-themed album titled ZIL, a reflection of the opposite side of my persona. This album, much like my artwork, was a blend of dark and light, combining the sweet, brilliant tones of the flute with edgy, punchy beats to create a unique sonic experience. I often found myself pairing these songs with my darker paintings, envisioning how they could collaborate to evoke powerful emotions in viewers.
In response to this experimentation, I am dreaming up ways to integrate my two passions. One goal on my horizon is to perform a flute piece at my next solo gallery show, creating a multi-sensory showcase that resonates with audiences on an even deeper level. I’m really excited about the potential of merging music and visual art. It feels like there is so much room for creating these immersive experiences, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into this creative journey.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’ve learned a lot over the years as an artist, most of which came through trial and error. Looking back, these three learnings stand out most to me:
1. Discipline and Perseverance: The ability to maintain focus and dedication, even in the face of challenges, has been crucial in my artistic journey. Whether it’s practicing my craft daily, pushing through creative blocks, or navigating the ups and downs of the art world, discipline and perseverance are paramount. For those early in their journey, I would emphasize the importance of establishing a routine and sticking to it. Set aside dedicated time for your craft each day, whether it’s practicing, experimenting, or studying. Consistency is key, and even on days when inspiration feels elusive, showing up and putting in the work lays the foundation for growth and progress.
2. Community and Networking: Building relationships within the artistic community has been invaluable in my journey. Connecting with fellow artists, gallery owners, curators, and art enthusiasts has not only provided support and encouragement but also opened doors to opportunities for collaboration, exhibition, and growth. A lot of this has come from Instagram alone. One piece of advice I have is to actively seek out opportunities to connect with others in the artistic community, whether through local art groups, online forums, or social media platforms. Attend exhibitions, artist talks, and networking events to expand your circle and foster meaningful connections. Be genuine in your interactions, offering support and camaraderie to fellow artists while also being open to receiving support in return. When it comes to galleries, there are two pieces of advice that my husband always reminds me of: one – don’t take anything personally, and, two – it never hurts to ask.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability has been instrumental in my growth as an artist. Remaining open to new techniques, styles, and perspectives has allowed me to evolve and expand my artistic horizons. Seek out opportunities for learning and growth, through YouTube tutorials or simply exploring different mediums and subjects. Stay curious and embrace experimentation, allowing yourself the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Be open to feedback from peers and mentors; use their advice as a springboard for improvement and refinement.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When a wave of anxiety hits, which honestly happens quite a bit in my creative journey, I’ve learned to take it as a sign that I’m really diving deep into my work. However, my response to stress isn’t always the most balanced. At times, I may plow ahead, disregarding the signs, while in others, I find myself immobilized by the weight of it all. I feel things deeply and am historically not great at handling overwhelming moments.
That said, over time, I’ve figured out some ways to deal with it:
First off, I’ve learned to accept that feeling overwhelmed is just part of the experience when you’re chasing your passions. It’s a sign that I’m fully invested in what I’m doing, even if it doesn’t always feel great.
When things start to feel too intense, I’ll take a step back. A quick walk around the block or snuggling with my cat, Luna, helps me clear my head and come back to the task at hand with a fresh perspective.
Breaking the source of stress into smaller, more manageable pieces is a game-changer. It’s like taking a giant mountain and turning it into a series of smaller hills that are much easier to climb, whether it’s a project time crunch, a gallery application, or a potential sale.
Finding inspiration in the world around me is another trick that never fails. Listening to music, shifting gears and creating something completely different, or just spending time with friends helps me recharge and find new ideas by getting out of my own head for a while.
At the end of the day, feeling stressed isn’t the end of the world. It’s just part of the journey, and learning how to navigate it has made me a stronger, more resilient artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lizfoulks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizfoulks_art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizsaco
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lizfoulks?si=H0teE2EQqLihG-JU
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4s3hwqdOIrP9qp2veU84f8?si=wfAZVcclTA-B93HmkUxOTg
