Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Brown.
Hi Lizzie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started with my first self-portrait auctioning for $75.00 during a bidding war between my family and other attendees at a VCU silent auction. At five years old, I didn’t know this event would become a core memory, leading me onto the path of an artist.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my work was consistently recognized, selected for special exhibits, and honored with awards. I went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned a dual degree in Painting/Printmaking and Art Education, along with a minor in Art History. Although I struggled to find my artistic voice during my college years, I built community connections that have served me well years later.
In August 2020, I picked up my brush and completed my first painting after a decade away from my creative practice. It was an incredible feeling. In that moment, I knew it was time to leave the public education system and focus on my art full-time.
Reflecting over the last four and a half years, I see a journey that has been both rewarding and challenging. I’ve learned lessons from my failures and maintained a sense of gratitude through my wins. There have been divine appointments and opportunities I pursued—even when I was scared or stepping into the unknown. I choose to live by the motto “shoot your shot, because… why not?” This mindset is has gotten me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Determination, discipline, commitment, and intentionality have been the keys to traveling this road as an artrepreneur. My biggest challenge has been finding a balance between the intuitive nature of my creative practice and the daily demands of business and marketing. I wear many hats—from creator and marketer to social media manager and bookkeeper. Maintaining boundaries and carving out time for activities that fill my spirit remains a growing edge; however, I’ve found beauty in resetting as many times as needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My connection to creating is a form of ministry. I create color-block portraits of African American men, women, and children to examine Black identity and the multifaceted nature of the Black experience. Highlighting cultural resilience, joy, love, and introspection, these portraits counter stereotypes and social bias toward the Black community. I create my paintings using acrylic paint, added fibers, gold leaf, and repurposed text pages, hymnals, and patterned papers, utilizing poses from collected and merged references. By altering the figures’ hair and clothing to fit my vision, I create finished works that display a broader view of African Americans, inviting the viewer to engage with the individuals depicted in their full human existence.
I am most proud of how my work has connected with and moved so many people. I truly believe art heals and transforms spaces, places, and individuals; that is exactly what I strive for my work to achieve.
What’s next?
Plans for the future center around weaving together recurring threads in my practice to deepen my storytelling and create a more cohesive visual narrative. Alongside fiber processes like crochet, braiding, and embroidery, I plan to integrate printmaking media—including letterpress, screen-printing, lithography, and etching. These methods will allow me to create custom patterned papers and anecdotal elements to incorporate into my acrylic pieces. This focused exploration is designed to lead to artist residencies and fellowships, providing the necessary environment to advance my technical and conceptual practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fromthecoreartstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzieb.fromthecoreartstudio
