By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Elizabeth Conley is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a B.S. in education. As a classroom teacher, art was used to reinforce skills and encourage creative expression. Inspired by a book on art therapy, Elizabeth obtained a Master’s Degree in this field from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y. She then obtained a license as a clinical counselor. In her private practice with children and families, art was used to externalize trauma and promote healthy interactions with others.
At the same time, she continued to paint and studied with several well known painters. She was a member of Maine Women in the Arts and Saco Bay Artists. Retirement led to a move to North Carolina where she has connected with other artists in various groups. She has received many awards for her paintings, miniature scenes, commissions for pet portraits and refurbishing painted objects. She has also taught painting workshops for adults and craft workshops for children. Her home studio is where the creativity happens.
Where are you from and how did you end up in eastern north Carolina?
When my husband and I visited New Bern, we were impressed with the vibrancy and friendliness of this small town. We decided this would be a comfortable place to live and avoid the long Maine winters of our home state. There seemed to be a growing art scene as well as numerous opportunities to engage in community activities.
How did you get started in art? What sort of formal training do you have?
I have always felt the need to create,whether with found objects or drawing materials. Studying with nationally known artists and reading books by different artists improved my ability to express in several paint mediums.
Is there a central theme to your work, or several themes?
I enjoy painting the seasons with their many moods. Growing up on the Maine coast also provided opportunities to study rock and wave formations. Frequently included in my work are animals,both tame and wild.
You were a teacher and an art therapist, what did these two occupations bring to your own artistic practice?
As a classroom elementary teacher, I included many expressive art activities to help students understand concepts and encourage individuality .As an art therapist, art was used to encourage a way to express trauma and explore healing. Expressive art has assisted me to cope with stressful situations such as the long pandemic days and the loss of loved ones.
You paint and create 3D miniature rooms, do you see a relationship between these two lines of work?
Whether I create miniature three dimensional scenes or paint on canvas or paper,I begin by thinking about the theme and establishing a focal point. All the details need to support the main idea to produce a finished piece.
Is there an artist in your field or any other whose work you admire or inspires you?
I am inspired by a number of artists and miniaturists including Henri Rousseau, for his imaginative scenes, Elliot O’Hara,for his economy of expression,Dalov Ipcar, For her whimsical animals, Andrew Wyeth, for elevating ordinary objects as beautiful art, and Donna Kato,for her extraordinary polymer clay designs. These are just a few of the artists whose skills excite and encourage exploration in several mediums.
What specific award, exhibition, or piece are you particularly proud of, and why?
In a small works show I was awarded a first place for a painting of my cat with a lobster, and a second place for a miniature of three turtles on a log. As an art therapist, I was awarded a license to open a private practice and was asked to present at a national art therapy convention. These have been special events for me as an artist and art therapist.
In one sentence, what is art to you?
For me art is a way to express the curiosity and wonder I feel about the world we inhabit. When someone Comments that my work has affected them in some way or they share a similar experience, that is another Special award.
Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in art or who wants to get into art?
For any one who shows an interest in learning to create,I suggest taking a class, watching some videos, and spending time using a variety of materials to express an idea their way. A good foundation In composition and drawing is a must.
I know you have works in the Sales Gallery at Bank of the Arts, where else can people find your work?
My work is currently on display at Balantyne’s Framing and online at my wesite, melizabethconley.com
317 Middle Street | New Bern, NC | www.cravenarts.org | 252.638.2577