Meet Lisa Penz | Contemporary Abstract Artist⁣

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Penz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Know Thyself” is my absolute favourite philosophical maxim. This guiding principle by Socrates has been key for me both personally and in my art career.

If this mantra sounds familiar to you, you may have heard it said differently in different ways. I love them all. The Tao Te Ching stated it this way: “Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom.” And William Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “This above all, to thyne own self be true.”

The “Know Thyself” proclamation carries prestige in our culture and if you ask me, responsibility.

It sounds like a simple anthem for life, right? Simple, but not easy. How do we come to know ourselves and why if self-knowledge so difficult to attain? A lack of self-knowledge leads you to major distraction from your life’s purpose— and worse, potential trajectory error.

I’m fearful of long, drawn out mistakes that manifest mostly regret. Perhaps that is why I’ve explored so many aspects of the arts. Beginning from Graphic Design, Art Direction, to Acting, Painting! It’s my belief that —whatever version of “Know Thyself” you prefer— that if you follow the mantra, like religiously, you can align yourself with enjoying a higher calibre of life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my art, I thrive on pushing boundaries and embracing innovation. What sets me apart is my relentless pursuit of unique materials and techniques. From incorporating diamond dust epoxy onto upcycled Champagne boxes to sculpting canvases for metallic-toned pieces that delve into the mysteries of the ocean, I bring an uncommon tone to my work through unconventional mediums.

My journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my artistic voice, even as my style evolves. One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is to approach universally loved themes with a personal twist. It’s through this authenticity that true brilliance emerges.

My fascination with the tumultuous beauty of nature, weather, and its connection to human unpredictability that fuels my creative process. Drawing from my experiences as an actress in the entertainment industry, I infuse my artwork with a sense of escapism, inviting viewers on a journey into ambient realms of nature.

What defines my art are its unique visual qualities. From the shimmering, glowing quality of illumination to the mysterious and ambiguous tone of my compositions, each piece tells a captivating story. Influenced by my restless need for exotic destinations and subject matter, cultivated during my time in Australia, my work exudes a sense of adventure and exploration.

At the heart of it all, I strive to challenge conventions and redefine what it means to create art. By embracing luxurious materials like diamond dust and epoxy resin, I bring a sense of opulence to my pieces. Through art I hope to not only evoke a sense of wonder and awe but also spark a deeper connection to the beauty of the natural world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For an unforgettable week in LA, I’d start with breakfast at Sqirl for their inventive dishes, then head to The Getty Center to soak in art and breathtaking views. Lunch at Grand Central Market is a must for its diverse culinary offerings. Spend the afternoon exploring the street art in the Arts District before dinner at Bestia for their phenomenal Italian fare. Catch sunset cocktails at Perch for its stunning rooftop views. Mid-week, hike to the Hollywood Sign for iconic views and grab lunch at In-N-Out Burger for a quintessential LA experience. Follow up with a visit to the Griffith Observatory, then head to Echo Park for a leisurely paddleboat ride. Dinner at Republique for French-inspired cuisine, followed by cocktails at The Varnish for a speakeasy vibe. Wrap up the week with brunch at Bottega Louie for their decadent pastries and a stroll along Venice Beach Boardwalk, soaking in the eclectic sights and sounds. Finish the trip with a dinner reservation at Geoffrey’s, against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! Mary Blair, known for her iconic work with Walt Disney, deserves a heartfelt shoutout. As a female artist, her creativity and vision have been a constant inspiration, even in the absence of direct mentorship. Blair’s ability to infuse color and whimsy into her art has left an indelible mark on the industry, showing me the power of imagination and persistence. She embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation that continues to fuel my artistic journey.

Website: https://www.lisapenzart.com

Instagram: @lisapenz

Twitter: @LisaRosaPenz

Facebook: Lisa Penz Artworks

Image Credits
Brenna Louise