Monday, January 6, 2014

New show with Lisa's Valises...January 11, 2014

Here's a bio from Lisa, the artist bringing us Lisa's Valises on January 11th....


Lisa Zatlo Bio

I had an epiphany when I was 40! That suitcases were empty canvases waiting to be painted. I have a very active imagination that often translates to "why not?"

Then after painting a couple of bags in 1999 and traveling with them I was inspired by the joy and human connection that happened at baggage claim. People smiled, started conversations with strangers and were happy after a long trip. So I thought, why not paint some more?

I do have a vision disability. (Fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy and cataracts in both eyes) but I don't have time or the right attitude to whine about it. Life is too much fun and I love to laugh!

For the the last 6 1/2 years I have been working with my dear friend Angela Poasatiere a talented artist from New York on a handshake and couldn't be more thankful and amazingly blessed. I design the pieces and pick the colors and she lovingly transfers the images onto the suitcases. She is my angel.

Once the pieces are finished they are no longer suitcases, they are now beautiful valises. It's only been this year that I had a duh moment--some people call it an aha! but since it took me 15 years I can't say that.

The Valises are my autobiography. It was kind of shocking and humbling all at the same time. Each of the pieces have a date of conception when I thought up the idea for them and a birthday when they were completed. Some have taken over a decade. I know we all have baggage. I still have baggage that needs a lot of work. But it's nice to know that I have started making some a little more beautiful.

No comments: