Meet Lizi Phoenix: Fine Artist + Designer

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

Hi Lizi, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been creating for as long as I can remember. What started as illustrating my homemade stories with marker, and collaging tickets and flyers from school trips has become painting custom pieces for an A list clientele, and a national tour to brighten peoples homes with my custom Abstract series. Throughout this journey I have continued to find myself creating works in every corner of my free time. At one point I realized that the only path would be for me to turn this into my career – there was nothing else I could imagine myself doing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is not limited to a specific medium but I mostly enjoy working with pen, acrylic, watercolor, collage and paper. I find that the art world likes to put a wall up between itself and the everyday consumer, appearing as only accessible to those who have the right knowledge, know the right people, and have the money. While this is changing and there are many wonderful organizations who are actively breaking down these barriers I still believe I can do my part to make fine art available to everyone. I work one on one with my clients to create pieces that truly speak to them without compromising my own artistic standards and aesthetics. I find that people love to work together and having an open attitude to my clients has made for some amazing works that leave both of us very happy. Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. As in any creative profession there is a lot of rejection, and without an unwavering faith in yourself you can’t go anywhere. I am deeply fortunate to have many supportive friends who have been there for me in so many ways. In getting to where I am now I have learned over and over again that pleasing everyone is impossible and unrealistic. I have learned to trust myself and understand that those who love my work can love my work, and those who don’t are perfectly capable of finding art elsewhere.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the architecture and unique history of LA so I would take a visitor on a tour of the different types of homes we have to offer here, ranging from the Old Hollywood Bungalows in and around West Hollywood to modern beach cottages of Venice. We are so spoiled by all the insanely delicious food and drink options in LA. That said I continue to find myself returning to Olivetta, Croft Alley, Sugar Taco, Republique, AOC, Little Ruby’s and Joan’s on Third. One of my favorite parts of LA is the diverse group of friends and creatives I am lucky to spend time with, so I would say the best activity I could provide would be sharing these people. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my friend and fellow painter Toni Puritty. Our experiences are deeply similar while also dramatically different at the same time. Being a creative it is so important to have people who speak your language. This way you can discuss alternate perspectives and receive critique all in a healthy way – having Toni in my life gives me someone reliable to do this with. She is also a wonderful artist who has a true eye for color and a mastery of innovative techniques.

Website: liziphoenix.com

Instagram: @liziphoenix

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethham/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liziphoenix/

Image Credits
Andres Sandoval