Elizabeth Frank
Mixed Media 2D & 3DSculpture
About the Artist
Arizona based artist Elizabeth Frank feels a communion with trees. It began in her early years spent exploring the outdoors. From ages nine through eleven her family lived in Olympia, Washington. There the rainforests near her home became her sanctuary. Now she visits the forests of Northern Arizona or New Mexico to gather aspen for her carvings.
A native of the desert southwest she grew up sixty miles from the US/Mexico border. Her father, a social worker, worked part time in a border community. Her family often visited Mexico. As a young adult she explored the country more thoroughly. One such trip led to studies in language and sculpture in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The art and culture of Mexico continue to inspire her.
After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University Frank worked for several years in the film industry. On her jobs buying for and decorating sets she enjoyed transforming spaces to create believable locations. The quest to find the perfect objects to help propel a narrative ignited her love of found things. She now incorporates this same quest into her creative process.
About the Process
My artworks begins with fallen aspen that I collect in the mountains of Northern Arizona and New Mexico.
I carve the wood with hand and power tools. Each sculpture is built in small components and joined together with pegs and nails. I combine the carvings with antique and found materials. Once built the wood pieces are delicately painted with acrylic. The painted surfaces are then distressed with sand paper and nailed found objects.
My love for the natural world and my concern for the environment often translate into works about the relationship between humans and nature in this modern age.
Virtual Studio Tour
My studio is located in a historic downtown building called the Labor Temple. Built in the early 1900's it was once a Hudson auto dealership and then a labor union hall. After years abandoned it became art studios. I occupy the top floor of the building and also have a tiny room on the roof that I use as a natural kiln to dry my aspen wood.
Most of the time I call my studio a "sawdust manufacturing facility" because there's a lot of noise, wood chips and sawdust around when I'm in the woodworking phase of my process. Once all the cutting, carving and and assembly are complete I do some tidying. Then the main space serves as my tranquil painting studio and gallery/ showroom.
From my studio I can access the building's roof. I love taking breaks up there throughout the day and often watch the sunset across the Tucson skyline.
Contact & Purchase Information
Interested in Purchasing?Pricing Information: Less than $150, $151 to $500, $501 to $1000, Over $1001
The studio is open by appointment in December.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.elizabethfrank.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethfrankart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzyseye/
Email: elizabethfrankart@gmail.com
Studio Information
Elizabeth Frank Artworks
Address: 267 S. Stone Avenue, Studio B, Tucson, Arizona, 85701, [ Map it! ]
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