Interview: Leigh Le Roux
2019-08-28
Interview: Lesley Martyn
2019-10-09
Getting to Know Elizma Stoltz
1. Tell DFO a little bit more about yourself
Currently, I am working as an administrative assistant/junior graphic designer for a photographer In Roodepoort. We mostly do school photos, but he does some major conferences and events as well.
In my free time I enjoy drawing and painting, reading about anything that I find Interesting - which Is everything from neurobiology to the connection between mycologists and Peter Rabbit. And of course, sending time with my partner watching odd and abstract films, playing board games and doing yoga. I love what I do In my free time, yes. I wouldn't say that I love my job, though.
I love not starving and being able to put petrol In my car. I have been drawing literally since I can remember. From the moment that our motor skills started developing my mother put fat wax crayons and empty glue sticks In our hands. Drawing has been one of my favourite things to do since I could hold a crayon.
People may not know that I try to be as honest and upfront as possible about who I am, and don’t tend to keep things about myself that might shock people to myself (this way people can decide for themselves early on If they want to be In my circulation). So, I guess It would be:
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1) I have an autoimmune disease called Systemic Sclerosis,
2) I come from a political background where my mother worked for the ANC, and
3) I'm very loving and accepting even If my face doesn't say It.
I started drawing a way to communicate the things that I had a hard time verbalising. When I was younger, very few social conventions and Interactions made sense to me, and drawing was a way to metabolise and process the world around me.
I travel to new places and explores new things because I feel that there Is always something new to learn and draw Inspiration from. I find that exposing myself to these places energizes me In a way that very few other things can.
2. From an art perspective: What are your biggest weaknesses?
My biggest weakness Is struggling to remain engaged and excited by projects that I'm working on. I tend to lose focus as soon as I hit the wall, and then I abandon the project.
3. Be bold – tell us: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
In five years I hope to have gained enough experience and skill to move to Canada with my partner. I would like to be an Art Director for a publication, and set designer for a production company. I would also like to have my foot In the door of the animation Industry as that Is my biggest dream.
4. Out of thousands of artists in SA, why should people appreciate your art?
I have an eye for detail and can create very Intricate and complex Illustrations. I mostly do portraits that capture the essence of the subject In a very subtle way. My art Is extremely Intimate and a little shy. I enjoy using pen and paper, and I can spend hours conceptualizing a piece.
Collage art Is one of my favourites. However, I am keen on lending myself to other mediums such as water colour and oils paint. Practice makes perfect, though, and I do not yet feel confident enough to share, or work publically.
5. "What do you like about being in the creative industry? / What do you enjoy about using your creative talent?"
I like being constantly challenged to find new perspectives and different ways of approaching seemingly mediocre tasks. I like looking at everyday life and making It wonderful. It can be very challenging to live a creative lifestyle as one Is judged and ridiculed more often than not. Yet, I try to take every experience and apply It to my creative work In a way that It fuels my desire to succeed and create, no matter what.
6. What do you consider to be your biggest creative achievement??
In all honesty, It was winning that set of Faber-Castell pens at your second event! :D
7. Tell us about the last time a client, family or friend questioned your art or creativity. Elaborate on what happened.
My dad once told me that I am his most academically Inclined child, but I'm not special. It stung an awful lot, and It took months for me to get my confidence back. So, whenever I get critised or receive negative feedback, I go back I think If the comment was directed at me or just someone else projecting their Insecurities.
I then sit with all of the beautiful thing that have made In the past and focus on how they make ME feel. Slowly, but surely those negative comments turn to white noise and I can focus on bettering the talents that I do have Instead of focusing on what I'm lacking.
8. When working on art "describe your definition of done."
A work of art Is done once I have signed It.
9. When creating, what kind of work environment do you like best?
In order for me to be my most creatively productive self, I need to have done an exciting and stimulating activity during the day (By myself or with others), and afterwards I spend my whole evening shut In my room churning out Ideas and creating beautiful things until the birds start singing.
I feel most comfortable sitting on the floor with my supplies spread out around me, and my canvas\ sketchbook on my lap or on the floor between my legs.
10. Define your creative/drawing style?
I am a very big fan of Salvador Dali, and Monet. I don’t really draw Inspiration from their style as much as their concepts. I love Alexis Diaz' work for Its Intricacies and attention to detail. I also love botanical Illustration and paintings. I love the Dada movement and Rene Magritte and everything that Frida Khalo stands for.
11. What can we expect from you in the near future?
I have plans for the future, It's the follow through that seems to be the problem.
I would very much like to do a collection of multi-sensory pieces that bring the sense together. I do realise that It's not absolutely Innovative, but It feel like my process and approach might be.
12. What advice would you give young aspiring artists?
Don't ever doubt yourself, or allow other people to take away from what you have to offer. You don’t necessarily have to share your work with the world for It to be remarkable. Creating something Is just a conversation with yourself, no one else.
