Conversation with Elizabeth Costigan
How was your art practice impacted by the pandemic?
My painting practice has significantly benefited from the pandemic. During the quarantine, I did a small watercolor everyday, and sent them to loved ones around the country. It was a way to keep myself sane, during such a dark time. Another benefit of the pandemic is the access to excellent online classes. I was lucky to find a newly virtual class in Chicago, with a teacher whom I really respect.
What was your experience like collaborating with another artist(s)?
It was inspiring to work with other women artists (around) my age. I very much appreciated learning how to put limitations on an idea to protect it, and keep it successful. My work goes further if I have the opportunity to listen to ideas from others; I am pushed to try new things. I also had a lot of fun!
What was a success to come from the CoLab project?
Making a collection coherent and true to our shared 2020 experience. And learning a new medium, resin. I had hesitated, feeling too scattered to begin the process of mastering this new material, but Erin and Cassondra said I must do it. So I did. It was the best medium to tie our work together, and to exemplify that 2020 was a time that will be preserved in our world history. And it felt darn good to correctly represent this idea.
How would you describe your work?
My work is very experiential. I am a kinesthetic learner, and learn by making mistakes and trying new things. I pull in materials from my toolbox that change with each piece - ink, marker, watercolor, gold leaf, acrylic, graphite, and now resin.
Have your material choices changed over the years?
Yes. I threw pots on a wheel as a kid, made a darkroom in my basement in high school, graduated with a major in photojournalism in college, started in a jewelry business in my 20s, and began exploring painting on paper and canvas three years ago.
When did you first work with this medium?
I wrote on a piece of paper, “I want to start painting, winter 2017/18,” and stuck it on my fridge. I called up my friend Doug, asked him to give me a material list, and got started. I studied the work of painters I admire and have had 2 different mentors/teachers over this three-year time span.
BIO: My mother, an artist, and innovator, taught me to make something from nothing' and the value of filling void with beauty. I studied Photojournalism in Omaha, own a jewelry business (EiC Jewelry), and am currently exploring my mind through painting.
Connecting with other artists has been essential for my creative evolution. The opportunity to work with Open Air has been a reminder that I do not creatively evolve in solitude.