Map lovers, this one's for you.
If you're anything like us, you know what we mean when we say that we.love.maps. There's something grounding and centering about the zoomed out view of places that we love, whether home or favorite destinations. Add in an artist's touch and you've got the work of Everett based Elizabeth Person.
We first met Elizabeth 2 years ago when she was part of our Watercolor Group Show. Since then, her prints of maps, mountains, the stars and whales(!) have been a staple in the shop.
We're so pleased to present her latest body of work as part of West Seattle Art Walk*. The current collection includes originals and prints of new maps, astronomical themed works and even a foray into the lovely world of Peonies.
The show will be available to view in-store with many pieces also available online. Show opens Wednesday 8.12 and closes Sunday 9.6.
*Art Walk is a little different in current times. AW is on Thursday 8.13 and we will be open until 7p with our usual 3 customer capacity. All visitors and staff are required to wear masks and we will not be able to serve food or beverages.
How would you describe what you make?
Using pen and watercolor, I create information art, like maps, featuring Northwest themes and geography.
What have you been up to since the last time you were at Click?
I’ve illustrated a children’s book set in the San Juan Islands – To Live on an Island by Emma Bland Smith. I’ve created a lot more maps and custom artwork for clients like the YMCA and Backpacker Magazine. This year, I moved out of my home studio to an actual studio space a short walk from my home.
What drew you to this medium and style of work?
The look of watercolor was very appealing to me. I didn’t know how to control it then and I don’t now either! I suppose I’ve learned how to “manage” it and let it do the work. I love that I can ALWAYS get better at painting – there’s never an end.
Do you find that your work processes change with the seasons, and if so, how?
In the summer, I’m outside most weekends selling my work in person at art festivals. This year of course, festivals are not able to happen because of the pandemic, so I’ve been able to create more work during the summer than I ever have before.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
I’m very pleased with the map of Italy. I traveled to northern Italy last year and was excited to map it. I love how the colors turned out - I was very intentional to incorporate colors that originated in Italy, like siennas and umbers.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
I’m in a couple book clubs, so I’m often listening to an audiobook through libro.fm. Just finished “The Girl with the Louding Voice” by Abi Daré and it was wonderful.
