By Rebecca Pikus
Many great artists are multi-talented — and such is the case with Fine Art Painter and Graphic Designer — Elizabeth Brown (or “Liz”). Although born in Philadelphia, Liz grew up in Ohio, and tells of her early art experience: “Since being inspired at age 5 by a watercolor painting class, I’ve always wanted to become an artist. This was not a class offered to children but Mrs. Stonebreaker, the instructor, took a leap of faith and allowed me to join. I think because I felt she took me seriously, that experience gave me a lot of confidence….”
Liz went on to earn a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design. She later shifted her artistic focus and earned an MFA in Film/Animation from California Institute of Arts — where she developed the illustrative aspect of her art, combining animation with live action film. Her move to Hollywood gave her the opportunity to work on many feature film and independent productions. Liz was a Production Designer (or Prop Master) as well as celebrity assistant and art instructor. She then managed an Urban Art marketing company, and throughout the 90’s worked as an Art Director in Advertising.
As computer technology was on the rise, Liz went to Europe and worked as a Jr Technical Director in Berlin, Germany. Upon her return to the U.S., she suffered a severe ankle injury, which took 5 years to heal due to a chronic pain condition (RSD). During that time, she reconnected with her love for painting, which was very restorative. Liz also began to make Graphic Design her focus through her healing process.
Website Development was a natural segue to graphic design. She has created innovative digital print, web & outdoor branding collateral, and designed unique promotional goods for over a decade — with leading organizations including Deutsch LA, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the National Urban Alliance. She is the Founder of Midnight Raven Design — you can find Liz’s graphics & product design at: MidnightRavenDesign.com. Fortunately for our beautiful Desert area, Liz moved here recently to Cathedral City Cove — now an enclave of many talented artists from all over the world! Liz can be contacted via Email at: info@MidnightRavenDesign.com
Liz Brown continues with her Brand Development and Design — while at the same time ardently pursuing her Painting career. Her work is typically figurative and tells the story of “power, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.” Liz has recently incorporated multi-media into her work, to increase the visual depth and luminosity. She plans to have a solo exhibit in the winter of 2015. In the meantime, Liz will be one of the Featured Artists this coming Sunday, Feb. 23, when her home & studio in Cathedral City Cove will be opened to the public!
Agnes Pelton Society’s Walking Tour of Historic Cathedral City Cove Homes & Artists — Sunday, February 23, 2014, 11:00am-3:00pm. Tickets are $15 (children free), available on the day of the Event at the Farmers Market, fronting IMAX Theatre (Hwy 111 & Cathedral Canyon Dr), , Cathedral City, Ca or online at www.AgnesPeltonSociety.com
