We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elizabeth Orleans. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Elizabeth, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
My mother says, “Being born is the fastest thing you ever did!” I’ve always gone at my own pace—whether it was being born two months premature or spending years perfecting an art installation. I take my time and approach life with a deliberate, methodical rhythm. Time often feels like fine sand slipping through my hands, especially when I’m immersed in a project.
When creating art, it’s often difficult to know when to stop—particularly with ceramics. I get lost in the process, but when I step away and return, I can view what I’m working on from a new perspective. I find myself again when I see my concept manifested.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Orleans, and I am an installation artist. Since 2008, I’ve been working out of a studio located inside a historic Coca-Cola bottling warehouse in Venice, California, where I also teach classes and host private events called CERAMIC SOCIAL. My work involves creating sculptures and architectural interventions by assembling multiple hand-built clay components.
I’m currently developing a new series titled “Feels Like Home,” in which personal and collective memories are explored and reimagined in clay. In addition, I’m launching VENICE OPEN STUDIOS this November—an artist-run community event that invites collectors, neighbors, and art enthusiasts to step inside the creative spaces of local artists throughout Venice Beach. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists, explore their studios, and discover unique works of art available for acquisition.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I try to remain humble, but there are moments in life when one can’t help but feel powerful—like when I first left for college and truly found my independence. At Tulane University, I discovered glassblowing, and I remember being completely awestruck. It was then I realized that I was an artist—driven to create a visual language that could communicate what words could not.
Graduating from high school, then college, and later earning my master’s degree were all meaningful milestones. For my MFA thesis, I created a 26-foot-long ceramic train, and later, thousands of ceramic elements for an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Rosa. Seeing my ideas materialize into large-scale works has always been one of the most powerful and affirming feelings of my life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
My high school yearbook quote was:
“So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along.”
Life, of course, gets complicated—and while turning visions into reality is deeply rewarding, being an artist can also be incredibly challenging. My students often find working with clay calming, but the truth is that the solitude, physical demands, financial uncertainty, and ongoing quest for validation can make even the most committed artists question their path.
My mother once suggested that I might stop making art someday because of how physically demanding it is. I told her, “Artists don’t retire.” We don’t stop creating—it’s as natural to us as breathing and sleeping.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends know that although I’m a Venice Beach artist, I’m both liberal and grounded in traditional values. I was raised to believe deeply in the importance of family. My father always said, “Work hard, play hard,” and that philosophy continues to guide me.
I love going out, having fun, and surrounding myself with good, creative energy. My friends know that I value love, friendship, and authenticity above all else. I’m driven to create new work and gain recognition—not out of ego, but from a genuine desire to share my vision and connect with others through art.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
Those who know me well understand how vital live music is in my life. Many of my closest friends are musicians, and I’m constantly inspired by how they collaborate—how artists and audiences unite in a shared rhythm and energy.
In those moments, surrounded by sound and vibration, I feel completely at peace—like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. The noise of the world fades away, and I can breathe, relax and dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizabethorleans.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethorleansart/
Image Credits
Personal Photo – Nathan Gurvich
1.Scott McCue
2. Courtesy of Royal Projects
3. Alan Shaffer
4. David Steinvurzel
5. Ed Chang
6. Ruben Diaz
7. Ruben Diaz
8. Ruben Diaz
