Liz Brizzi Interview by Erin Leigh
Usually we skip over works depicting cityscapes and urban environment. It’s not easy for an artist to capture that street vibe, the kind that grabs and holds you in emotionally but, this was not the case with Liz Brizzi. Born in France to Italian parents then moved to LA at 16, Brizzis’ mixed media creations of water towers, abandoned buildings and power lines have set an atmosphere and mood so beautifully, it’s as if she has found another dimension to the streets of LA that you can almost feel yourself floating into. Brizzi is no stranger to our streets and is represented by some of our favorite galleries such as C.A.V.E. Gallery (Venice beach) and Thinkspace (Culver City). Her work has opened our eyes to the LA world with a fresh, new perspective and we’re stoked to have her kicking off our first edition of Words To Live By.
Most memorable place you’ve traveled to?
That’s an easy question. I’ve traveled all over the world… But last year my boyfriend and I took a month off and went to Greece and Turkey. Both were absolutely incredible. Santorini, a greek island was just absolutely magical… it felt like being at the edge of the world. We also got engaged on that trip, which definitely helps in making it memorable!
Favorite spots in LA?
I’d have to say Silverlake, and also the Artist District downtown, where I live…. I think maybe both remind me of Europe a little bit; mostly in the fact that you can actually walk around these neighborhoods and get stuff done without having to drive. They also both have a lot of “mom and pop’s shops”, as opposed to other areas of LA where it’s all big commercial chains everywhere. I also love driving over the bridges of the LA River, eating at Meet Restaurant in Culver City, drinking at Villains Tavern, and shopping at Crossroads!!
Your first painting?
I’ve done quite a few that are not that worth mentioning. But the first piece that I did in the style I’ve now fully adopted was a small, long piece, representing a crane (the bird) flying through clouds over a crane (the construction vehicle). It was shown at a Cannibal Flower event, and that was the first piece I ever had in a show.
What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on a very different project. I don’t have another show planned for a few months and I”m taking the time to develop a personal project involving comics. I also love to draw and I don’t want to completely let that fall behind. I can’t tell you exactly what the project is yet, but it’s definitely coming along and I”m very excited about it.
How long do you work on a piece?
I get asked that question a lot… It’s very hard for me to answer, because it varies. Also because I spend a lot of time going out on “photo safaris” during which I take loads of pictures. Then I go through them and pick the ones I want to turn into a painting. Sometimes I’ll design the next piece very fast… and it comes alive in a couple of days… but sometimes it takes a lot more time trying to get it just right (especially the pieces that are made of several different elements from different photos). It’s the same with the painting part of the process… Sometimes the first layers of color work perfectly… but sometimes I’ll rework it in several sessions to get the mood I want just right.
Future aspirations?
I want to start showing my work in Europe. But I also want to do a whole series on Japanese cities. So I”m trying to plan a trip tehre next year. I’m really looking forward to that. I also have a big solo show early 2014 with Thinkspace Gallery.
Words to live by?
“It’s better to regret something you did, than something you didn’t”. And also “Everything in moderation, even moderation”.
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