Elizabeth Paxson

Artist Bio

Elizabeth Paxson graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1969, where she received the highest honor awarded in visual arts. There she studied painting, sculpture, ceramics and metalsmithing. After studying at Boston University and the Boston Museum School, she received her BFA degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design in 1972. Her work has appeared in galleries in both the midwest and the east coast. She currently lives in Saugatuck, Michigan, where she shows her work and is co-owner of Open Door Music, Inc.

Artist’s Statement of Elizabeth Paxson

I grew up in a family of artists. This has probably been the most important influence on my decision to pursue the arts. Visual art, music, writing, dance and theater were (and are) the passions which have engaged my attention over the years.

I work in a wide range of media: oil, pencil, watercolor, pastel, found objects and driftwood. Sometimes they all end up together, or in various combinations in any given piece. I’m a lover of toys and dolls; those symbols of the inner child in all of us, so I create these as well.

I am fascinated with portraiture as a means of showing the soul of the subject. I use the portrait as an icon of the human spirit, which is why I often portray my subjects staring straight ahead, like Byzantine mosaics.

I’m still as enthralled as ever with the creative life. I believe art is intended to inspire and to provoke the audience; to move something in the heart and the brain; to give a new perspective to the observer. Seeing in this way makes us become one with the other. I hope you find something in my work that moves you.