4. 10 things about lisa
I love lists and when I don’t know what to write, I turn to the magic of lists. They have an incredible way of getting right to the point, and they are incredibly fun to create. I keep a list of what helps me when I get creatively stuck in my journal. It mentions things like dance, walk in nature, call a friend. They are simple, BUT they work. When I am in a bind, I go to that page and just pick something off the list to do.
I have worked in bookstores for 34 years. When I was younger, I was very klutzy, and was often tripping or stubbing my toe badly, which meant that there would be no future in me working in a restaurant with hot foods and liquids, and plates that broke when dropped. When I was 15 I was hired at Coles in Bramalea City Centre. I immediately knew that I would work in bookstores for most of my life. Books don’t break. You can find me on Tuesdays at Epic Books in Hamilton.
One of my favourite books is The Snarkout Boys and The Avocado of Death by Daniel Pinkwater. So perfect.
I love animals. I have two cats and two dogs. They are funny, weird, and loving creatures that make my life better.
I am self taught in most of my art forms. I am a bit allergic to school and find it hard to stay the course when someone else is in charge. I love certain teachers but have found it better if I am self directed and look to others with specific questions. I didn’t graduate from high school and I was one credit short. I sometimes wish/dream that I will go to university so that I can share and talk about art all day long, and then I realize that I DO talk about art and books and creativity all day long!
Artists whose work I love include Lynda Barry, Maira Kalman, Iris Haussler, Questlove, Louise Bourgeois and Bobby McFerrin.
I am 50 years old. A lot of people point out that I don’t look 50 but I am. Sometimes I forget this and think I am younger, but then my body reminds me that I have been here for 50 years. I am proud of this, and feel like it’s an honour to grow old. Not something to shy away from. The focus of my Artist Residency with Luminato Festival is aging and invisibility, which I will definitely talk more about on the blog in future posts.
I have a ridiculous obsession with stickers and bullet journals, which in my opinion is the perfect space for the stickers to live. I subscribe to Pipsticks, a monthly sticker subscription and am happy to give away stickers to anyone who would like some. If that might be you, message me and I will send stickers your way. They remind me of when I was little and had a sticker album and would share with Tracy, my best friend. They are joy in little sticky form.
I am a cancer survivor and have a show called PityFace that I might tour far and wide. PityFace is that moment when someone tilts their head, and lets out a slight squeal accompanied by the most pitiful, poor you, look. PityFace doesn’t offer help, or solace, just focuses on how sad it makes the person doing the PityFace feel. PityFace sucks, but the show shares how I think that you should cancer patients, or people who are sick. Just ask them how they are, if you can help and let them know that although you might not know how to comfort them that you are there. Clearly I have a LOT of thoughts about this.
I believe anyone can be an artist. It will take a lot of time and practice, but if you make it a priority and work towards your vision I know that you can do it!
Ghostbuster donuts from Grandads are the yummiest treat ever.