Bonus Interview with Lisa L. Cyr Hometown Favorite Movie? I Was Originally Born and Raised in New England and Soon My Favorite Movie Is Dead Poets Society
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Bonus Interview with Lisa L. Cyr Hometown Favorite movie? I was originally born and raised in New England and soon My favorite movie is Dead Poets Society. I actually created hope to return to be closer to family and long-term friends. a painting based upon the movie that traveled across the country in an exhibition put on by the Society of Illustrators Current residence in New York City. The show was called Favorite Flicks and Create from the heart, After living in Manhattan for many years, post-9/11 I moved was headed up by illustrator and historian Murray Tinkel- to the Pocono Mountain area, about an hour and 15 minutes man. I picked that movie because it embodies one’s ability to innovate without outside the city. I feel like I have the best of both worlds: the look at the world from a different perspective and viewpoint. boundaries, strive for richness and culture of the city nearby and the fresh air and It was also a story about the willingness to express one’s comforts of having lots of space to work. unique voice in a world that often pushes for conformity. It greatness and speak is a great story of not only the recognition of our calling but to the culture in ways Kids and/or pets? also the playing out of the role that we are uniquely created that inspire and I have two cats that I rescued from the streets when I was to play. living in NYC. They are my little buddies, providing creative motivate. feedback when I need it. A good supportive purr is all you Memorable quote? need sometimes to keep you going! I also have a daughter I like this quote by Goethe, “Whatever you can do, or dream and she is the love of my life. She inspires me to continue you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic.” I Title: Self-Portrait Size: 8" × 10" (20cm × 25cm) to play and experiment, always seeking new ways to do also have a quote of my own that I like to use often. “Cre- Mediums: acrylic and ink Techniques: collage, painting knife, sponging, blotting, things. My daughter will often work with me in my studio and ate from the heart, innovate without boundaries, strive for dry-brush and digital manipulation Surface: bristol board has created about 50 children’s books to date, packed with greatness and speak to the culture in ways that inspire and engaging stories and delightful illustrations. Music is also her motivate.” About the Author muse. She is working on her first CD that will accompany the movie she has collaborated on with her dad. Did I mention Favorite websites? Lisa L. Cyr is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist and Arts, Applied Arts, The Artist’s Magazine, HOW, STEP Inside she’s only in second grade? Where do I begin? There are so many websites run by author with a content-driven approach. A graduate of the Design, ID, Altpick and many others. Cyr speaks actively Massachusetts College of Art and Design (BFA) and Syra- on self-promotion strategies and marketing for the creative organizations as well as individual artists that are quite cuse University (MA), her work has been exhibited both industry, as well as conducts workshops on innovative, Favorite food? extraordinary. Their primary function is to enlighten, inform nationally and internationally in museums, galleries, universi- mixed-media techniques at professional organizations, Okay, it’s not exactly a food but it is my favorite drink. I have and inspire other creatives by sharing their gifts and talents ties and at industry organizations, including traveling shows universities and trade conferences. Her insightful, thought- had an on and off addiction with a hearty hazelnut coffee with others. I cannot be thankful enough for all of the blogs with the Society of Illustrators of New York and Los Angeles. provoking lectures, Work as Play, Reinterpret, Reinvent and with cream for years. Just the smell of it brewing enlivens and websites that have supported my work over the years. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines, books Redefine, The Art of Promotion, and Creatively Speaking, and online, including features in Spectrum: The Best in Con- inform, inspire and motivate. Cyr also teaches in several my senses! When I was living in Manhattan, I would often Their kind words as well as sharing nature has affected oth- temporary Fantastic Art. In addition, Cyr’s art is included in of the top MFA graduate programs in the country. An artist do my writing in a very eclectic coffee shop in the village ers in very positive ways. To even begin to make a list would the permanent collection of the Museum of American Illustra- member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City and where they had the biggest coffee cups (they could double be an astronomical task . I instead choose to encourage and tion as well as in private collections. the International Society of Experimental Artists, Cyr works in as large soup bowls) and the most comfortable couches. support all of those people that are reaching out to others Cyr has authored seven books on art and design, partnership with her husband Christopher Short, painter, 3D I have fond memories working there a few hours before I using technology and other means. Sometimes you may feel including the mixed-media bestseller Art Revolution (North illustrator and animator. Light Books, 2008). She also writes for many of the creative For more and to connect via social media, visit her web- would go teach my illustration class at Pratt Institute when like a very small pebble in the world but always remember industry’s leading art publications, including Communication site at cyrstudio.com and blog at lisalcyr.wordpress.com. they had a branch in Soho. that when you throw that small pebble into the pond of life it makes amazing ripples all around it. It can be quite extraordi- embroider really well. There was always extra fabric, thread Today’s artists are faced with unlimited possibilities for creative experimentation thanks to an unprece- nary when you follow the ripples that one voice can effec- and yarn around to play with. As a child, I made my own doll dented array of media and digital tools. Never before has there been such innovation in the way art can be tively make in the lives of others. clothes and accessories. Early on, I think it was clear to me conceptualized, produced and presented. Art Revolution by Lisa L. Cyr is on the cut- that something handmade was so far superior and special ting-edge of this metamorphosis, exploring how artists are reinterpreting, reinventing and redefining Favorite artist? than anything you could ever find ready-made in the stores. everything from the surfaces on which they work to I think if I had to describe where my inspirations come from I Both my grandmothers have since passed but throughout the way viewers interact with their finished pieces. It tracks the creative directions and signature styles of would say JW Waterhouse and Adolphe-William Bouguereau my home, especially at holidays, I have many special things twenty-one of today’s most visionary artists, includ- ing Dave McKean, David Mack, Marshall Arisman meet Robert Rauschenberg with a twist of Gustav Klimt. to look at, touch and use that they have made for me with and Cynthia von Buhler. Brilliantly illustrated with thirteen demonstrations their talents. Each piece serves as a reminder to me of the and dozens of inventive examples of two-dimen- sional, three-dimensional, digital and new media Favorite book? importance of sharing one’s special gifts with others and the art, Art Revolution will inspire you to break out of the I love quotes, as I like when others share their life experience impact it has on generations to come. confines of traditional thinking, push your content to a higher level and revolutionize your personal in an insightful way. There is a book called Artists on Art (Pan- approach to art. theon Books). It is compiled and edited by Robert Goldwater What’s the best piece of career advice CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE and Marco Treves as a collection of writings and letters by you’ve received? CLICK HERE TO READ REVIEWS famous artists throughout the centuries. From the classical Never back down from a challenge or be afraid to try, trust notations of Leonardo da Vinci to the inner workings of Pablo in your instincts as they are at the heart and soul of who you Picasso, the prose is quite uplifting and inspirational. are, always take the high road in all that you do as Karma always seems to find its way back to you and lastly use your First job? talents and gifts in a way that uplifts and inspires others. In high school, I worked the BK drive-through. Not the most creative job but it kept money in my pockets to buy art sup- plies and pay for my subscription to various art magazines and annuals that I loved to peruse. Best job? The best job I ever had is the one I’m doing now as an artist, author and lecturer. Being able to voice my opinions and LINKS express my ideas creatively has got to be the best gig going. There is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the portfolio: http://cyrstudio.com opportunities that I have been given. blog: www.lisalcyr.wordpress.com When did you know you wanted to be an artist? fan page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-L-Cyr/93726883271 I grew up in a family that was very craft oriented.