Liz Adams

Liz Adams has done illustrations for Venus Zine, Girlfriends Magazine, Disney and On Our Backs (to name a few). All of this before turning 26. She graduated with a BFA from Arizona State University where she “developed her style as an artist that is whimsical, cute and a little offbeat.” Here is an interview with the artist that brings you paintings of mystical boys in capes on watered down Easter colors and nighttime dinosaur surprises.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Memories, animals, the desert, comics, kid shows, foods, music.

When did you begin your work?

Well, I have always been drawing. I was making little comics in middle school and drew a lot in high school in art classes and for little zines I made. I went to college for art and I was really into making little mixed media sculptures for a while. After moving to L.A., I became frustrated and bored with the sculptures--especially working in a cramped apartment--so I started doodling all the time. That kind of led to doing paintings. At the same time I was drawing little things for people I knew who needed illustrations and that gave me a few portfolio pieces to start out with.

How often have you shown?

I have steadily been showing at least 3 times a year for the past couple of years. I have been doing group shows and I think I may do a solo show next year.

What medium, most of the time?

I've never been particularly attached to any medium. I go through phases and like to use whatever I have on hand in my drawings / paintings (random bits of paper, acrylics, ink, watercolors). I try to trust my instincts and if it looks funny I'll just cover it up. With my illustration work sometimes I like to piece elements together digitally so I can keep up with tight deadlines and make changes easily.

Where are you from?

I lived in Tucson, Arizona until I was 14 and then my family moved to Phoenix.

Does some kind of compulsion drive you to do the work?

Nothing really out of the ordinary. I just really like to make things.

Whats your favorite animal?

I've always liked giraffes because they look so interesting. I like coyotes too. I've had weird encounters with coyotes.

How did you grow up?

I grew up in a very quiet neighborhood tucked away in the Tucson foothills. There was a lot of wildlife there. I lived with my mom, dad, little brother, and our pets.

Are you on any sort of medication?

Nope.

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