Artist Spotlight: Elizabeth Grubaugh

Elizabeth Grubaugh is a graduate of Parsons School of Design and Cranbrook Academy of Art. She worked as an art director and graphic designer before focusing on her illustration and product lines. After living in New York City, Vermont, and Japan, she now finds inspiration in both the natural surroundings of her current home in upstate New York and the urban setting of her design studio. Elizabeth attributes her bold sense of color to her travels throughout Asia and South America, taking cues from the people, the craft, and the hard work within each new community she visited.

Elizabeth paints, sews, and screen prints daily, AND is a mom of two, so we are grateful she was able to squeeze in some time to give us a peek behind the scenes into her colorful art practice!

Tell us about the birth of your greeting card business!

I would say my line evolved over time, rather than was born. I have so many different experiences that all manifest themselves into my current line of stationery, textiles, and artwork.

The things I make are very personal, feminine, and fun. Launching the line was very intuitive for me. I started making textiles and artwork for clients, then suddenly it became clear to me to put it out there for a wider audience.

Did you always want to be an artist, even in childhood?

I was always doing something creative. I rearranged my bedroom furniture, sewing curtains and my own clothing. I spent hours collecting sea glass and shells, then arranging them. Then in High School I attended a summer program at RISD and I was hooked! I wasn't the best in my program, but I was incredibly driven.

What is your favorite medium to create with? Describe your process.

I studied Japanese Calligraphy, Suji, while living in Kanasawa and ever since I love to paint with Sumi, which is the traditional ink. I really love guache for the color and consistency. I use just about any medium, pencil for sketches, markers and pens if I have fine details. I screen print when I am making one of a kind pieces.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I really find inspiration everywhere. I love to travel and I always carry a note book, paints and pencils. I always come back with a new color palette. I also love to stay home and garden and be in the forest. There is so much inspiration right here out my back door. We have all the animals you see in my cards are in my backyard.

What's your solution for combating “creative block” and maintaining productivity?

There are so many different things to do through out the day. If I am feeling tired or just not particularly creative, I try to spend that time organizing and doing some of the business tasks. Then break out the paints when my head is clear.

What does a typical day at your studio look like? How do you manage your time?

When you are a small operation, each day is somewhat unique. You need to wear many hats. Some days I am in my studio in Newburgh packing and shipping orders all day. Some days I work at home, (which is in a forest) and design or sew. I always need to get the busy work done first, then I have the mental space to create.

What do you enjoy doing in your “free time?”

Free time doesn't come too often when you have children, but part of my weekly routine is hiking with my dog Starlite, and taking a yoga class.

How does the culture of your city contribute to the development of your independent business?

Well, Newburgh is an amazing place for creatives. There are a lot of like minded people who appreciate all types of art and have created a nurturing community. You can find great studio space in shared buildings which helps share resources and ideas.

We hear you are working on some new textile collections. Can you tell us a bit about them?

I have been designing collections of cotton fabric for BLEND Fabrics. The collections are mainly sold in mom and pop sewing shops and used for quilting and home sewing. I really love creating these. It is super fun and they are really wymsical. The latest collection coming out is called Enchanted, with lots of flowers and forest imagery.