Who is this chick with the sword?
Hey there! I'm Elise Wiley of Elise Wiley Studio. I'm a professional artist, former summer camp director, and mother of two wild children, two dogs, four cats, and two fish. I believe that freedom of expression is a huge part of how we feel confident in our skin, our homes, our actions, and our life. Self confidence can be life changing, and I want everyone who experiences, and enjoys my art to feel that little spark of inspiration to express their most true and confident selves.
Art has always been a part of my life, and although I am very largely self taught I did grow up with an artist and can feel his influence anytime I'm in the beginning stages of a new work.
I was voted "Most Creative" and "Most Artistic" for superlatives as far back as middle school, and started using paint as my primary medium about 10 years ago. In those 10 years I've tested various styles and techniques to see what feels comfortable. Heck, I’m still learning and developing new ways of doing things! This past year, in lockdown, however I stumbled upon, what I've coined, "Sword Painting."
Sword painting is pretty much what it sounds like, it is painting with the use of a sword. In my case, a paint brush taped to the end of a fencing foil, or longsword. Like many artists, and humanity in general, I've struggled with trying to make things perfect. Sword painting allows me to really let go of that struggle, and anxiety, and fully give myself over to the joy of painting and creation.
The result of letting go and embracing the sword has been these beautiful, bold, colorful abstract, gestural images. They've been pieces I couldn't have created any other way, and I love them.
I still paint with regular brushes too, and do certainly still spend some time agonizing over perfection, but in general the process of painting brings me such joy and peace that it is no longer the struggle it used to be.
My art is fun, empowering, joyful and expressive. It is specifically designed to make you find joy in the unexpected moments, and chaos of life, the mess are what make life sweet. Embracing that chaos in our lives, and those imperfect, unexpected aspects of ourselves are what make us beautiful, and we should feel totally confident to express our mess.
My deepest hope is to share joy, and confidence with my creations and process. The sword has meant some havoc in the studio, and with two small children I've learned that a lack of control can be worth embracing in art and in life, it can be a true gateway to happiness. There is real power in understanding the things in life and we can and cannot control, and when we master ourselves, the rest is just joyful chaos.
So, welcome! Join me as I try and navigate the world as a professional artist with love, humor, confidence, chaos, and joy.
