Space 15 Twenty - Studio Visits: Elise Mesner
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Studio Visits: Elise Mesner
This week we stopped by the studio of Elise Mesner- Detroit native, painter, illustrator, fashion/costume designer, stylist, and photographer. Known for creating picturesque dreamscapes, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as on canvas, she proves she is not afraid to immerse herself in any mediums in art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Friends,
What first drew you to photography? Was this always something you saw yourself doing or was it a path you stumbled upon?
First memory was my dad giving me a giant engagement/wedding album when I was a young teen. Filled with photos of my parents together (which I’ve never seen as they were divorced when I was very young). Those images melted my heart and photography became something else from that moment on. I began documenting special moments and ideas. However, never really planned on becoming a “photographer” and that title still sounds bizarre. But, always stayed on the road to doing what I enjoy, what makes me happy, and kept on, keeping the bond. I suppose photography right now is one outlet among many that I like to create in. I tend to grow an interest in something and it will consume me.
What themes do you explore in your work?
Fashion, color compatibility, visual scents, plants, humanities, movement,
What are some of your favorite shoots?
Early shoot back in 2011 “SunnySprinkles” Sprinkles on unexpected foods like sunny-side-up eggs. Sprinkles on your dog’s nose. Sprinkles on all kinds of things. Also, a new series I’m working on called “No Vanilla - Be all
Can you brief us on your creative process?
Prefer to intuitively work with available materials, on-the-fly
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Grandparents: They were born in a time when if something was broken they would fix it, not throw it away. They’ve inspired a solid trudge in my step. Aunt Cat: Adored tiny things, small
Do you have any favorite emerging artists?
I’m going to be an aunt this summer. Let’s just say I plan on buying this little one all kinds of art supplies -- have this aura he/she might be an early emerging artist. And will he/she will be my favorite, of course. I wanna see those little hands coloring with crayon slobbers.
Describe a time you felt like you were in a creative rut. How did you get yourself out of it?
Never felt a creative rut nor experienced creativity as a rut, it’s always been an out-of-rut experience and a form of relaxation, and a really happy place I can always go to. I collect myself there, I know myself there. It’s home.
What are some of your favorite places in LA?
My bed. The kitchen. The outdoor patio. Shall I say, I love my nest completely, aside from all the Malibu Beaches and all the nature out
Lastly, what are you looking forward to?
Eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and my lips to pucker.
Photos by Iris Ray
Follow Elise on Instagram!