Tell Me All About It: Q&A with Elizabeth Mayville

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the owner and creator of one of my favorite Etsy shops, the extremely talented painter Elizabeth Mayville. 

I came across Mayville's work about 2 years ago on Etsy, and when I looked through her paintings, I was blown away. She's crazy talented, she's crazy creative, and she has a thriving shop in which she sells both affordable prints of her work and affordable originals [= total artistic role model]. 

You may remember her fabulous "Top Knot" paintings from a "Love This!" feature that I did last October, but if not, you should check them out. A little more about Elizabeth: She's based in Grand Rapids, MI, got her BFA in 2006 (and has been working as a painter ever since), and just had her first child. Here's what she says about her work: 

All of my work has something to do with the idea of "home." I'm fascinated by the small bits of our world that stabilize us and that can so quickly disappear. Whether it be a still life of very personal items or a portrait of a president, each painting has a quality that makes me feel both comforted and anxious. 

When she sent me the responses to my interview questions, she included this "disclaimer" about the current state of her life, which I wanted to share because I think you'll appreciate it (especially those of you who have kids!): 

I’d like to give a bit of a disclaimer in regard to this interview.  I had my first child just about six months ago and my life has completely changed (the cliché is true!).  Seven months ago I was a highly structured person who had every hour of her day scheduled.  Today my days are much more organic and while this has probably helped me to more fully embrace each moment, it still makes me a little crazy.  I think that crazy may come out in the following interview.

Don't you love her honesty and insight? I do. So with that, lets jump right in. Read below for the inside scoop on all things Elizabeth Mayville and to view some of her gorgeous work...

What inspires you? 
Getting out of my house and doing something new is always extremely inspiring.  My studio is in my home and along with making paintings, printing giclees, and taking care of the business side of things, I’m also raising my son and trying to keep my house from collapsing under the weight of its own filth.  So most of my time is spent at home frantically trying to get things done while entertaining an adorable baby.  When I get the chance to walk out of the front door into the outside world, I feel immediately refreshed and stimulated.

What time of day is most productive for you?
Early morning before the sun rises.  I supercharge myself with coffee and go, go, go until my baby wakes up for the day.  I usually tell myself that I’ll do some work after dinner as well, but 99% of the time I end up crashing on the couch instead.

What does a typical studio day look like?
It’s a whirlwind!  I get up some time around 4 AM to feed my son and then put him back to bed.  Then I work on packaging orders, answering e-mails and printing out depleted prints.  At 7 or so my son wakes up and we hang out until his naptime at 9:30.  Lately he’s been sleeping until after noon, which has been amazing.  I can get some solid studio time in, usually spent painting, before he’s up again and can better focus on being a good mom.  When he wakes, we play until his afternoon nap at 3.  At this point I can either try to get in one last stretch of studio time or I can take a nap.  I opt for the nap 90% of the time.

How do you stay balanced? 
I’m not great at staying balanced, but I certainly try.  I go running at a track by my house a few times a week and that helps to clear my head.  Dog walks help too. Spending downtime with my husband and son also tends to go a long way in my quest to not be completely stressed out.  I also keep a weekly schedule that helps me work towards goals in my work life, home life and mom life.  This only works if I under-book myself as the schedule tends to fill up without much effort on my part. 

What is your favorite piece that you’ve ever created, and why?
“Lake Michigan Storm” [pictured below] for a couple of reasons.  First off, the photograph I used as reference was taken a few summers ago on a really fun day summer day with friends.  The waves were huge on Lake Michigan and we watched this massive storm roll in as we tried to surf. It was amazing. Secondly, landscapes are usually a challenge for me, especially ones without defined objects.  I was honestly shocked with how well this one turned out. 

Do you listen to music, radio, or podcasts while creating? If so, what is your favorite thing to listen to?
I tend to listen to podcasts while I work.  Most of the time they’re comedy podcasts, my favorite being “Jordan, Jesse GO!”.  I also listen to “Fresh Air”, “TED Radio Hour”, “Radiolab” and numerous other NPR offerings.  I really think that listening to discussions while I work gives me the sensation of being social.  While getting out and interacting with people is really important to one’s emotional wellbeing, a good podcast will do in a crunch.  Or the entire first six months of parenthood.

If you could study under anyone for a year, who would it be?
Fairfield Porter.  He’s my absolute favorite painter and I would be thrilled if I could travel back in time to work under him.

If you had to give one piece of advice to artists who want to take the plunge and pursue their dream of working for themselves, or starting their own creative business (or Etsy shop), what would it be?
Start now. Figure out a way to make it work financially and push for the life you want to live. It will get exponentially more difficult the longer you wait.

Ahhhhhh. Her paintings just make me feel relaxed and peaceful--like all is well in the world. 

Want to learn more about Elizabeth (or purchase some of her fabulous work?)? Here are a few quick links:

Website: elizabethmayville.com
Blog: elizabethmayville.blogspot.com
Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/ElizabethMayville

Thanks for taking the time to tell me all about it, Elizabeth! 

Have any requests for other inspiring people that you'd like me to feature in this series? If so, let me know.