Liz Jacobsma: Iowa Artist Interview

Cat Eyes 11"x14" acrylic paint on canvas boards, May 2011

1. How did you come to be an artist?
I brought a little note pad with me everywhere when I was younger - it kept me occupied for hours. In kindergarten I was asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and I confidently responded with artist because I liked drawing so much. Throughout grade school and high school, art seemed to be what I was good at, and that's why now I've decided that being an artist is what I was always meant to be.

In the Storm: 12"x18" Pencil on paper, January 2011

2. What has been your biggest challenge?
I've never really thought of any art project to necessarily be a challenge because I'm always ready to jump into it and do it. But I would say that a huge challenge for me is trying to find a career in the art category. It seems any need for artistic abilities is fulfilled with a computer, which is not what I do.

 Dolce&Gabbana: 9"x6" acrylic paint on sketchbook paper, August 7, 2011

3. What would your "dream" exhibit space be or project be?
Something I have been thinking I would love to do sometime is to create art for a book or CD cover; to see my creations in a store would be very satisfying. I'd also absolutely love to go to different countries and explore, study, and create art there because other cultures are so interesting.

4. What inspires you?
Anything can be inspiring to me. For example, the emotions put into a good song. The singer in a band really puts his heart into what he does. And the fact that he shares his personal experiences with others and how he overcomes trials is what inspires me. This is the same as my artwork. In most of the pieces I've done, they're so personal that it's almost like I've put a piece of my soul into each one. And in that way I hope to someday inspire others as well.

Jimi Hendrix 11"x14" acrylic paint on canvas boards, May 2011

5. What do you like best about being an artist?
When drawing or painting something, I can create absolutely anything I want - it doesn't have to be real, it doesn't have to make sense. Art is also something that requires a viewer to think. By being an artist, I can make a connection with others just by my work because art always has a voice. That never ceases to amaze me.

Forget Me Not: 4"x6" printmaking ink on paper? Done in either April or May of 2011

6. If a person wants to see more of your work or purchase it...where can they go?
To be honest, the only place one can go to see more is my bedroom. They are all hidden away because I am a private person. As I said before, I've put my soul into my artwork, which has probably made me afraid to publicize it anywhere. That is why I chose to do this interview - it's time to take a step forward rather than standing still.