Artist interview 1 – Elisabeth Timpone

Dot Design has an interest in all areas of the arts as well as graphic design so as often as possible (probably once a month) I’m going to be interviewing artists that interest me. I stumbled across Brooklyn-based artist Elisabeth Timpone whilst looking through the pages of Design*Sponge and instantly loved the detailed pen and ink drawings, almost like contemporary cave paintings.
They also reminded me of the kind of artwork work that I’m producing which is similar in media used but also very different. See after the interview below for more images of Elisabeth’s work.
How long have you been an artist?
Professionally a little over a year, but I’ve been doodling, painting, and crafting all sorts of things for as long as I can remember.
What inspires your work?
Almost every weekend during my childhood I’d visits my family farm with my mom and grandparents where I often explored the woods and water’s edge for odd-looking rocks and small animals. I’d say the time I spent there has greatly influenced the subject matter of my work. I draw stories of what happens in the woods when no one is around to see. Stories of survival, play, birth, battles and nature.
What media do you work in and why?
I work with pen and ink and sometimes gouache for colour. I love micron pens because they are easy to control and fun to draw detail with.
How would you describe your style of artwork?
I usually say “delicate fine detailed pen and ink drawings of animals” Everyone who sees my work describes it as an American Indian/ Eskimo style of artwork. I definitely agree. My favourite museum is the American Indian Museum in downtown, NYC. It’s free too!
Do you do any initial sketching or planning before starting a new piece?
I usually do some preliminary sketches for ideas and composition. They are really quick though, I don’t have the patience for that part, I like to get to the detail.
Which artist most inspires you?
Edward Gorey, Aubrey Beardsley, Egon Schiele, Souther Salazar, Jeana Sohn, Austin English, Matt Leines. I also love the raw but yet fine detailed and so amazingly crafted African and American Indian masks and sculptures. They are truly beautiful works of art.
How do you deal with the business inside of being an artist?
I’m still learning the business side of things. I’m trying to keep a log of all the work I do, hopefully, that will keep things organized. I’m not very good at organization.
What words of advice would you give to any aspiring artists out there?
Keep things moving. Keep producing art, keep meeting new people, keep working hard.
If your interested in finding out more or purchasing Elisabeth’s work you can find her contact details on her blog
Elisabeth Timpone has a forthcoming show called “Temporary Home” .
At: Giant Robot New York
437 E 9th Street
NY NY 10009
212 674 GRNY
It’s a four-person show also involving. Mollie Goldstrom, Kellie Bowman and Lilli Carre,
Opening reception: September 13th 6:30-10pm