February Member Interview: Liz Miller CDA

Liz Miller CDA (Certified Decorative Artist)

Web site:  http://www.artfulendeavors.net/
Blog:  http://www.artfulendeavors.blogspot.com/
Creative Workshops:  http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/

Facebook:  Artful Endeavors on Facebook

You can find my art at: 
Artful Endeavors, Raleigh NC
The Society of Decorative Painters permanent art collection,
   Wichita KS
Chatham Street Café, Cary NC

I've been published in:
The Decorative Painter, Summer 09 and Winter 09
Quick and Easy Painting, June 2010

On line videos at:  http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/

1. What inspires you to create?
Nature and the challenge of creating small slices of nature inspire me, the play of light on objects, capturing movement and shape, the mood of a moment. The colors of nature and color combinations of nature are a constant inspiration. I love observing and painting animals. They are constant works of art.
My students are always a source of inspiration, constantly challenging me to progress in my art. Creative friends and the seeing the art of others is very inspiring also. And the support and encouragement of my husband and family are constant inspiration.

2. When did you decide to pursue art or did art pursue you?
I’ve always enjoyed the creative process. As a child, I was always making something or building something. When it was completed, I moved on to the next creation. Some of my favorite toys were my coloring books and crayons. Love the crayon colors and smell and feel on paper. I was one of those girls that loved anything to do with horses, including coloring pictures of horses in my coloring books, and collecting pictures of horses and studying their colors, muscles, and how they moved. In the first grade I found a picture of an Indian pony in a library book and traced it so many times that I discovered that I could draw it freehand, the next step in the creation of an artist. My next door neighbor taught me how to draw a girl’s profile, which led to more face drawing, branching out from horses. Art has been a gradual process my whole life.

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I love animals and enjoy working with them. I have thought of being a veterinarian at times.

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?I have a difficult time thinking of any profession where I did not gravitate to the creative part of it. In my working life I have been an RN, dance therapist, belly dancer/teacher/performer, and decorative artist/teacher, and business owner, always enjoying the creative parts of the profession. Although I’m not working as a RN or dance therapist now, I am still working therapeutically, increasing options in life through art.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
Paint and more paint. Love the colors.

6. What new technique or art form would you like to learn? Do you have plans to do so?
I always love to learn something new. I’ve recently discovered vivid watercolors and plan to explore painting with them.

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you choose to do?

Failing is not a reason not to try something. I would continue to develop my art, teaching, and business. I would love to add classes for children and adolescents, encouraging them to pursue art as part of their life.
I would want to introduce art to more adults that think they are not artistic, or have put art and self expression aside till later in life, or those just waiting for an inspiration to get started.


You're an inspiration to all of us, Liz!  Thanks for the interview.