why do you do what you do?
"I believe that creativity helps you tap into a deeper wisdom or as some would call it, consciousness. For as long as I can remember I have always been trying to follow this rabbit down the hole. Whether it leads me to a better understanding of self or my purpose in the world, hopefully both, this process is my journey. Art and philosophy are the tools I use to help me from losing sight of my path. I bet this rings true for most creative people, but it’s hard to not get lost when in order to keep from becoming stagnant and complacent you have to be in a constant state of adaption. Allowing new ideas to enter and letting old ones die. I believe the creative mind is a reflection of nature’s cycle. I think I do what I do because it gives me a higher purpose, I don’t know how I could stand against life’s current without it….it’s my heroic I guess."
-Ilene Listrom
What inspires you?
"As cliché as it sounds, my biggest inspiration is nature. As Albert Einstein said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” I completely agree."
-Ilene Listrom
What is your plan for the new year?
"One word…”authenticity”. I have had to grow quite a bit this past year. It’s been a delicate dance trying to stay true to myself and promote my artwork at the same time. I really wanted to focus on creating a local platform in 2016 and I am grateful that I had so much support from friends and knowledgeable mentors like Ryan Adams, of Adam’s Galleries of Austin, which helped me do so. I am definitely planning on shifting gears quite a bit in 2017 and while I will continue to work on Austin pieces, I think it is a crucial time for artists to start utilizing their voice to combat the growing threats this world is currently facing. I am privileged to have a medium in which to communicate with others on a deeper level and I am looking forward to utilizing that gift to bring awareness and inspiration when we need it the most."
-Ilene Listrom
Until next time,
Artist Couple