Artist Interview: Elise Morris
Noticing the everyday extraordinary, working through daily studio struggles, and a summer reset...
This week I am so excited to share an artist interview with painter Elise Morris. I’ve long admired the subtlety and strength of Elise’s paintings; they are like portals into a calm light-speckled garden, charged with mystery and possibility. On her Instagram, she shares her process and often makes videos of herself working, which I often watch on repeat as colored ink bleeds from one area to another or she applies another layer of glowing atmosphere to one of her canvases. Here, she shares about her work and inspiration, formative creative encouragement, studio routines, and an upcoming show in the fall…
First, tell us about your work: What do you make? What are the main ideas and themes that you work with?
I create abstract paintings inspired by experiences in the natural world. I also generally live in the natural world most of the time, so maybe the work I create is just a reflection of that. My paintings range in size from very small and intimate, to quite large and expansive. They are created over time, with many layers of paint. Most often there is a sense of movement, either happening or anticipated - and a developed range of subtle color. I love to build both the surface of the work, and create space within the piece. Once this happens, it becomes something that will continue to engage and surprise the viewer.
What are the questions at the core of your practice?
I am deeply inspired by nature in all forms, and especially with the overlooked beauty in the cracks and crevices all around us. I have begun to identify species of flora and fauna in my immediate environment, which has been a fun process of paying more attention. I want to know what is beauty - where do I notice something extraordinary? Spoiler - it's basically every day in the most mundane places. As part of my practice, I photograph shapes and shadows and take note of color and light. I work from these findings in an intuitive way, never planning pieces but just responding to what's on my mind.
When did you know you were an artist, and were there any events or people that influenced that knowing?
From an early age, I was the "artist" in the family and made piles of books and drawings, leading to full summers of art camps and classes. I had amazing art teachers who really celebrated my interest in it. In college, I had plans to be an Environmental Scientist, and on the first day of registration I tried to sign up for a drawing class. I was told that you have to be an art major to do that, so I became a double major on the spot. I do wonder if all of my art-making had not been encouraged, would I be painting today?
How about your typical work day or week? What habits and routines have you developed to support your practice?
I just show up to the studio five days a week to work, and on weekends to take a peek and maybe organize something. I am distractable in a big way, so I can't really loosen up on this schedule. However, I also allow myself creative procrastination projects when they come up. Sometimes shifting gears is important.
We all get “stuck” in our practices sometimes. What are your primary issues, and what do you do to get “unstuck”?
I am stuck all the time. I never go through periods of being wide open and free and then suddenly have a tiny little block. I have big daily struggles in the studio. The way I get through it is just to keep painting. I work on multiple pieces simultaneously, so I am in all the stages of work most of the time. Sorry to say, paintings don't paint themselves, and they all take time! I also make sure to have materials for everything ALL the time. I can always start a new canvas, a new work on paper, a new collage piece. I have jars of ink, rolls of canvas, stretcher bars, and reams of paper at the ready.
What are you working on right now? What feels exciting? Where can we see your work?
I am working with shaped canvases, and I am suddenly super excited to see how they turn out. I'm also excited for the change in seasons, and the golden hues that it brings. Summer is a big reset for me, as my kids are at home more often and my studio become animated with all kinds of side projects. My garden outside the studio door is growing and changing, bringing new ideas, colors, smells, and shapes into my awareness. I am also working towards an exhibition at Ann Connelly Fine Art in the Fall.
Thank you so much Elise!
You can see more of Elise’s work on her Website and follow her on Instagram.
Upcoming show at Ann Connelly Fine Art
Check out more artist interviews on her blog, The Studio Work.