Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Huston.
Liz, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m an artist through and through. What this means to me in particular is that I have the heart of a poet, the mind of a surrealist, and the soul of a mystic.
As a self-taught artist, I often joke that I took the long road. Learning how to make this surreal, symbolist art involved a long and winding path and my uncompromising dedication.
I began as a fine art and portrait photographer with a secret desire to paint, which I kept well hidden for years. It wasn’t until I discovered photoshop about ten years ago that I admitted my secret dream, because I realized I could actually create the paintings I always dreamt of with Photoshop.
The learning curve was steep, but worth every moment. Now my artwork continues to evolve technically and is a combination of actual paint (oils, acrylic, watercolors) and photography using Photoshop.
Has it been a smooth road?
I count my lucky stars every day that I was fortunate enough to get an art studio in the Spring Arts Tower, and then later, to be one of the five artists invited to open studio on the mezzanine inside The Last Bookstore.
To have an art studio that is open to the public is a study in extremes. By nature, I am more introverted than extroverted, and making art under the gaze of people whom I have never met before can be very challenging. (Making art in general can be a very vulnerable act, with or without the public’s involvement!)
By having my studio open to the public, I have learned humility, vulnerability. I have learned to trust people with what is most precious to me – my artistic vision, and been met with great love and respect in return.
Even though the reception to my work in general is quite warm and many people are touched by it, I have definitely learned that it is best to reserve the most tender stages of the art for when I am alone in my private studio. Great work comes from a quiet receptivity, and it’s hard to be quietly receptive when in a fishbowl!
I’ll still bring out the easel in my shoppe regularly, but only when I’ve moved through the tender heart of a piece. I have to come to a place in the piece where I can hear criticism, or uncomfortable questions and not let that change the heart of the story of the piece I’m working on. It’s been a fascinating growth period.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Liz Huston’s Studio Shoppe – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am an artist and own and operate my own gallery inside The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles.
Liz Huston’s Studio Shoppe is a small, wondrous space where I am able to create, exhibit and sell my original works of art.
I also make small collectibles and gifts all related to my artwork, mini prints, bookmarks, journals, greeting cards, postcards – there is something for every budget.
In the shoppe we also carry some local handmade goodies such as leather goods ‘Made by Adriane’, who is a long-time friend of mine, and handmade beeswax candles and other magical things made by local shamans and mystics.
Liz Huston’s Studio Shoppe is constantly evolving and changing, we host teas to celebrate our collectors, have monthly art openings and, of course the big bonus is that we are located inside the best bookstore in Los Angeles!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, (3rd generation!) and love this city deeply.
I appreciate the diversity of Los Angeles – both in people and in the terrain (beach/mountain/desert). My only complaint would be the traffic, but now I take the train to my shoppe (we are just a block and a half away from Pershing Square) so I can’t even complain about the traffic!
I feel like there is no better place for my business than Downtown Los Angeles – the city is very supportive of small businesses and offer so many resources for the beginning entrepreneur.
Downtown ArtWalk have, in particular, lent a very helping hand in growing the arts community here, and I’m so appreciative for all they do. I have been in Downtown for long enough now to witness many changes and am excited to be a part of such growth and expansion.
Contact Info:
- Address: 453 S Spring St #M5, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Website: www.lizhuston.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/lizhuston
- Facebook: facebook.com/lizhuston
- Twitter: twitter.com/lizhuston
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/liz-huston-studio-shoppe-los-angeles
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/lizhuston
Image Credit:
Art by Liz Huston
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
