WELCOME TO OUR ANOTHER ISSUE OF 'EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN'.
EVERY MONTH WE'LL BE BRINGING YOU CONVERSATIONS WITH EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN AND DELVE INTO PHENOMENAL CAREERS, PERSONAL STYLE, MOMENTS AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE THEIR LIVES, PASSIONS AND SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES AND LESSONS THEY'VE LEARNT.
FOR OUR LATEST ISSUE WE CHAT WITH ARTIST, ENTREPRENEUR & MUM OF BOYS ELIZA PIRO, WE HOPE YOU ENJOY OUR CONVERSATION AS MUCH AS WE DID.
Eliza Piro was born in Adelaide and spent her younger years growing up in Clare in the mid-north of South Australia. Eliza studied art at Pembroke School, where her love and passion for the subject evolved. Further study at Melbourne School of Photography gave her a greater understanding of colour, texture and form which led into experimenting with different mediums.
Eliza's paintings are a celebration of colour and of life itself. Comprising an array of vibrant colours and patterns, we love that her paintings evoke feelings of optimism and joy.
Working in acrylic paint and watercolour, Eliza adorns her canvases with intricate patterns and motifs, as an embroiderer would a tapestry. Her process combines dot and linework along with layering and masking techniques, resulting in artworks that are rich in colour and detail.
This celebration of beauty and optimism is reflected in Eliza’s own passion for creating “art that lifts people’s spirit and makes them feel inspired”.
We were so excited to sit down with Eliza for our latest 'Extraordinary Woman' issue and chat about the early days of discovering her creativity, juggling a business and family, how her distinct style has evolved and 'what's in her Lanamara bag'.
EP: Thank you so much for asking me. I'm absolutely delighted!
LM: Firstly, we'd love to know what's in your Lanamara Grace bag at the moment?
LM: You draw inspiration from Suzani textiles, Indian mandalas and eastern folk art, and your paintings acknowledge elements of spirituality and tradition, while maintaining a distinctly contemporary edge.
As a designer it can be difficult to refine your own distinct style, how has this evolved for you?
EP: I have always drawn inspiration from my surroundings, I am a collector of style books and love viewing art from different cultures. I think my art has always been quite colour and pattern driven which has defined my style. Its always been important to me, to create art that is joyous and floods the mind positively. The evolution of my paintings from 15 years ago till now is evolving but my principles are the same.
LM: Not only do you paint but your brand has a huge range of other beautiful products and an online store to manage, plus you and your husband have three boys, what are your top tips for managing stress and your mental health?
EP: Life is busy, three boys keeps us on our toes. I am lucky to have a husband that supports me and my business. My brand is growing and I am moving into new areas which is exciting. I enjoy taking time out for myself with Body Balance and Yoga which I find helps keep me centred. I also love to walk at the beach or in the hills in nature which is a great time for thinking.
LM: What's been your biggest challenge to date?
EP: I honestly think the biggest Challenge would have to be time. Raising a family and not wanting to miss out on all the important things that you can't get back. Trying to set time away from work for family life.
LM: What advice would you give to your younger self?
EP: Believe in yourself and take more risks.
LM: And, finally what does the future look like for the Eliza Piro brand?
EP: I definitely see a lot more fashion on the horizon. I have recently dipped my toes into this realm and its an exciting place to be. I look forward to spending more time here.
THANKS FOR JOINING US FOR OUR LATEST ISSUE OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN, WATCH THIS SPACE FOR OUR NEXT EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN.
MARIKA & ILANA XX