Lizzy Anderson is an Australian artist, designer who graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Communication in 2006. She is inspired by a mixture of things – fashion, art, atmosphere, people and music, mostly music. Music has always been a bit of a sanctuary for her. She can play or listen to a song and it takes her somewhere, so many different layers that feed her creativity. She likes to look at everything and see the shadows, highlights, how colour interacts, the energy in a pose, character in movements.
KALTBLUT: How do you choose what you will draw?
Lizzy: I never really choose what to draw, it’s just what comes out. It started as a creative outlet for the nerdy things I am into. illustrating mostly portraits of people I wish I was related to, or that have inspired my daydreams.
The way I see art relates mostly to the artist Mirka Mora. She said ‘Your art is your art – never dilute yourself, I don’t choose the ideas, they choose me. I don’t wait for them. They come without my permission’. I always felt I had a different way of approaching things, so it was nice to hear it wasn’t actually all that different.
KALTBLUT: What kind of material do you like to use?
Lizzy: Does music count as a material? I put on music of those I’m drawing and draw. What comes out is a key detail within each piece that portrays how I see their character, or how I feel when I listen to them. A pose, a sly smile, colour, line work. If you want to see who’s next check my Spotify!
I use a mixture of drawing, pencil, ink, water colour or I use a Wacom to work up colour. Each portrait warrants a different treatment depending on mood, tone, melody, movement. I like to exaggerate features, play with proportion and colour.
KALTBLUT: What’s your favourite drawing till now and why?
Lizzy: Of my own? Brooks from The Growlers I’d say. He’s holding a skull, I’ve always liked to draw anatomy. I’m really into their music. After seeing them play live I just love their vibe.
Otherwise I have always been drawn to portraiture. Favourites range from Alberto Giacometti, Gustav Klimt to Marilyn Manson and Kareena Zerefos.
KALTBLUT: What are you working on right now?
Lizzy: Aside from commission work I’m drawing Ryan Adams – I have recently been inspired by his Carnegie Hall album and experimenting with different artistic treatments, trying new things that are more out of my comfort zone stylistically.
Interview by Emma E. K. Jones
