An Interview with Artist Elisabeth Strunk
Every month during the First Friday Art Walk in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe we bring in an artist or maker for a pop-up! This month we’re bringing in teaching artist Elisabeth Strunk. We hosted a watercolor class with Elisabeth a few months ago and we’re excited to have her here again! Ahead of her pop-up with us, we asked her some questions about herself, her art, and sustainability. Enjoy!
When did you start making and selling art?
I started making art at a very young age - I used to set up a fake art store and sell artwork to my family, haha! But I started painting, wood burning, and selling at markets when I was an art teacher in 2015. I then moved to Colorado and recently got involved in the art scene here this past June. I teach art workshops and in August, I started hand painting on vintage/used clothing. Upcycling thrifted & vintage clothes has definitely taken up most of my art making time these days!
What inspires your work?
I’m very inspired by traditional American tattoo design, minimal color palettes, oversized fashion, and bold lines. I also love non-gendered clothing so trying to focus on making things feel fluid and neutral. I call my clothing “flash clothing” because I’m inspired by the concept of flash tattoos and choosing from an artists “menu” of options to express yourself.
What does sustainability mean to you and how does your art reflect that belief?
To me, sustainability is all about keeping products of any type alive, whether that’s by taking good care of things, up-cycling old things to give them new life, donating them to others, etc. We live in a very consumer-driven world and a fast-paced culture, and this is very apparent in the fashion industry. From my experience working in retail, I’ve seen how people get rid of things that still have so much life left to live. There are so many pieces of clothing in thrift stores that are in great - if not perfect - condition. Most of the clothing I own and wear on a day-to-day basis I’ve thrifted, as well as the clothing that I paint. I love finding pieces that are made of quality materials and then giving them a new and exciting life to live!
What is your goal as an artist?
My goal as an artist is first and foremost to stay true to my authenticity and principles. After that, I want to continue to build a brand and make things that are fun, funky, and bring people joy.
If you were an animal/breakfast cereal/ice cream flavor/style of architecture what would you be?
If I were an ice cream, I think I’d be cookies and cream. Most days I’m wearing black & white, so it goes nicely with my color palette. (Plus I just love Oreos - ha!)
What’s next for you? Are there any projects or goals you are currently working toward that you'd like to share about?
I’m currently working on continuing to build my brand and going to be focusing on themed-drops. So making hand painted collections of thrifted leather, cotton, military, etc. I also have a goal of learning to sew my own clothes AND screen print in 2024 to have more options of clothing.
Are there any artistic mediums you’d like to explore that you haven’t yet?
As mentioned above, sewing and screen printing for sure! I also am interested in picking up an artistic hobby that doesn’t have an outcome and using that as a way to focus on relaxation - art as a meditative practice!
Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in being one of our featured artists, send us an email. We’re always looking to expand our community and showcase the talent our city has to offer.
Until next time,
“Be excellent to each other”
