Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Gorcey
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have devoted my life to pursuing art that intrigues me, stories that compel me and the elevation of authentic voices that must be heard. I have extensive experience working as an actress, director, and producer in the cinematic field. I have created documentary-style films that shed light on the stories of the unnoticed and the unheard. By boldly exploring socially taboo topics like aging and capabilities of the lives of others into compelling films. Also, years ago I started a nonprofit, Project Caring Strokes, an art program for HIV+ disadvantaged teens and children. I’m also working on the 4th children’s book of the Liv On Life Children’s Book Series, with my daughter, Liv. Liv inspired me at the age of 3. Her words of wisdom were beyond her years.
Looking at life as a blank canvas with opportunities to create makes me feel alive. I want to continue to go into uncharted territories and surprise myself. Creating is nourishment for my soul.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say the sudden death of my brother in an automobile accident changed my life in so many ways. I saw the pain and sorrow that my parents went through. I felt what it was like to have a tragedy and the loss of a loved one. I felt the need to help and take over stuff that my brother did for my parents so their loss wouldn’t be as great. I wanted so very much to help. I realized that this event in life is part of the ‘ human condition.’ And no matter one’s social class or how much money one has- nothing could make my brother come back to life.
For me, painting is the only real form of expression that releases strong feelings. It’s a very safe zone to explore and express. I used to act in movies, which was a great form of expression; however, sometimes, the characters weren’t very deep. In painting, I can go to so many places. I can see a performance by a dancer or singer and feel that pure joy, and I put that into my work. Looking around today’s world with wars, homelessness, and frightened humans in despair, I, too, feel this and put that into my work. I love going to museums and seeing the works of great artists, I find that inspiring.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist, primarily painting with oil paints on canvas. I’m also releasing our 4th book of the Liv On Life Children’s Book Series, with my daughter ,Liv Amiri. If it’s something creative I’m interested. Sometimes, when I’m painting, I don’t know where I’m going – that’s most of the time! And I love this process -being in the moment and allowing the canvas to guide me. But after, I might look at what I painted and say, “That’s weird,” you know- judge my own work. However, the recognition has given me more confidence to express myself and go on that journey of discovery. When I was younger, I would plan to paint beautiful flowers or a dog, but today, that planning isn’t my process. I want to go into uncharted territories and surprise myself.
I’m is fascinated with the ‘human condition’ that everyone is a part of, particularly how each person experiences and sees themselves, others, and the world on their collective journey. As a child, I was very sensitive and empathic. I would feel things deeply and sometimes imagine I knew how those around me thought. My sensitive and creative mind felt the weight of humanity—seeing all the highs, lows, anxieties, and triumphs overlapping and bleeding into my own experiences. At that age, I didn’t know how to process what I felt, but as an adult, I worked through what I feel on my canvas. I paint because I must.
All art is interchangeable. I would suggest to everyone and anyone to create. It’s very healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe there is luck in everything and we create our own luck. I would tell a anyone and everybody to do what makes their ‘heart sing’. To have courage and listen to their inner voice, not all the chattering of people around them. To have the confidence to put out whatever they choose to create in the world and don’t worry if there’s rejected- keep doing what you love. Don’t let the fears of reality get in the way..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethgorcey.com
- Instagram: @elizabeth_gorcey_art
- Facebook: elizabeth gorcey
- Other: https://www.livonlife.com
Image Credits
NONE
