Painting Sumi-E Artwork with Elizabeth Schowachert Art

Have you ever seen amazing black and white Japanese art work and wondered what the style was, who the amazing artists were and how it was created? We had the opportunity to interview Elizabeth of Elizabeth Schowachert Art about how she started her art company, her inspiration for her artwork, some advice for women entrepreneurs and those just starting in the art field and so much more!! At the end of the interview, I’ve added some resources all about Sumi-e art, what it is and how it is done - this knowledge has made me appreciate how beautiful and detailed Elizabeth Schowachert Art's is and the technique is.

You can find her website here or if you’re wanting to find her on social media, you can find her on her Pinterest Profile, Facebook, or updates on her Instagram profile.

Elizabeth painting using the Sumi-E techniques

By Michele of VAMICreations and Elizabeth of Elizabeth Schowachert Art

How did you start Elizabeth Schowachert Art?

I started selling online in 2015. At that time I was working for a Taiwanese company as the Executive VP of marketing for their retail stores. During my travels there I found beautiful traditional calligraphy brushes and other interesting items and wanted to share them with my friends, so I set up a store on Shopify. I did not intend to sell my art or brushes at that time. About 6 months into it, I realized that I needed/wanted to change the focus and branding of my store, and that is when I launched Elizabeth Schowachert Art. 

What gave you the idea/inspiration?

 I wanted to make art full time, and I liked the idea of running my own business. My brand, product development and marketing background gave me confidence in knowing that I could do it. So I re-branded my store in late 2015 and started to market & sell my contemporary Sumi-e brushes, silicone art tools, and artwork.

Amazing artwork and brushes by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I am happily married with two wonderful children. I have been making art my entire life and there are many artists in my family. I am a native Californian, so it makes sense that I am happiest when I am outdoors by the beach or in the mountains; these things inspire my art. Before I transitioned to a full time artist/maker, I spent 22+ years as a Marketing/Brand and Product Development Executive working for or with major retailers in the US and abroad. In addition to running my online store, I teach several different workshops and provide consulting and coaching services to artists that want to market their art and/or start an online retail store.

How long has Elizabeth Schowachert Art been around?

I rebranded my store to Elizabeth Schowachert Art in late 2015. It has changed over time (for the better I hope), and I am sure will continue to evolve. Owning and operating an online store requires that you keep on top of online retail trends, like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and consistently execute social media strategies, etc. to ensure that you can drive enough traffic to make the it work.

Gorgeous Island Artwork by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

What is Elizabeth Schowachert Art all about? 

As an artists and maker I decided that name recognition was really important and that is why I use my given name versus something else that might sound better (or be easier to spell!) I started Elizabeth Schowachert Art as a way to connect with other artists and share my contemporary Sumi-e brushes, silicone tools, and other art materials which I have been making and working with for a number of years. I am fortunate to have spent a lot of time in Asia and as a result have grown to love the culture, place, and people. During my time in Taiwan in particular, I became interested in the tools and materials used by artists working in the guóhuà and Sumi-e style of painting, and I am especially interested in the handmade Xuan paper and traditional Asian brushes. 

Over the years I have adapted many of these materials/processes into my own art practice, more specifically around my brush making, which I feel falls into the category of contemporary Sumi-e. The products you will find in my store are the tools and materials that I use most often within my own art practice: unique high-quality contemporary Sumi-e brushes, handmade scroll paper, and various other artist tools that work well with encaustic, encaustic monotype, cold wax, gel printing, and mixed media applications. My online art gallery also offers my original artwork, encaustic paintings, encaustic monotype, and mixed media scrolls. 

Gorgeous Dragon Artwork by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

How do you choose the pieces you create?

 My creative process is tied closely to both my art practice (making visual art/painting) and my brush making. My tool making, for example, influences my printmaking (encaustic monotype), and my printmaking influences my tool designs. If I want to make a certain kind of mark that requires a tool that I do not have, I make it. One drives the other and so on. My creative process is both intuitive and structured, not so fluid as to run everywhere, but not so structured as to limit ideas and directions.

How do you choose the pictures you paint?

 Inspiration comes in many forms for me: nature, my connections (people, places, experiences etc.), and art practice. When I feel inspired I follow that path of inspiration in hopes of making something I connect with and feel is worthy of sharing.

What is your favorite painting, artwork medium to work with? 

I typically work with encaustic medium, monotype, and a variety of inks, both traditional Asian and non-traditional alcohol inks.

What would you tell a new painter, artist for encouragement? 

Do the work and take risks. Keep going no matter other people say. Educate yourself: take workshops, find a mentor, read, look at art online, visit museums, spend time in places that inspire you. Your development as an artist will take time and you will be learning and improving forever. If you are interested in being a professional artist, learn how to market your brand and manage your business so you don’t have to rely on others for your income. 

Feather end of paintbrushes by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

What is something you are passionate about and why? 

I am passionate about the creative process, especially designing tools and making them. I love what I do, which makes it easy to find passion in the work I do everyday.

If you had one (or several) things to share with a woman entrepreneur, what would it be? What would you encourage them about? 

The advice I would give to women is the same as I would give to anyone:  Take advantage of the resources that are available to you; don’t hesitate to take charge of your brand and business. There are numerous free resources out there that can help you, so take the time to seek them out. Another option is to hire someone to help you learn whatever interests you. These days, there are many ways to market and sell your art. Take charge and get involved.

What is a lesson learned for being a woman entrepreneur that you wish someone had told you when you first started? 

Find other women artists that you admire and whose art you connect with, and learn how they market their art. Consider asking if they would be a coach or mentor for you (usually for a fee). Some (as I do) have online marketing tutorials available, either for free or at a low cost. Before you build your online store, make sure you have a well-thought-out and developed plan or strategy that includes marketing, brand identity and basic business metrics. Research options before jumping in (for example, maybe Etsy is a better choice for you than Shopify). Commit to continuous learning and dedicate time to staying on top of trends that are or will impact your business.

Painting Techniques by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

What is your dream for Elizabeth Schowachert Art to be (where do you see Elizabeth Schowachert Art in 5+ years)? 

 I want to continue to grow my art practice, online retail store and expand my workshop schedule (I currently teach workshops in Texas). I am also developing workshop opportunities that will take place in other states as well as in my Montana studio.

 If you like this, you may like:

• On the Loom: A Modern Weaving Tapestry

• Drawing Artwork with SavouryChaffinch

• Bluprint Review and Tutorial

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Gorgeous Landscapes by Elizabeth Schowachert Art

Elizabeth introduced us to the Sumi-e artwork and to continue learning more about this beautiful artwork, here are a number of different websites about Sumi-e and the techniques needed to create this amazing artwork.

Sumi-E Society of America is a great website to delve into what Sumi-E is all about and the techniques behind it. For example Sumi-E is the Japanese word for Black Ink Painting and is focused on each stroke of the brush. It originated in China but has become East Asian Painting and is a beautiful art form. This society has a membership as well as teachers to show you how to paint Sumi-E as well.

Sumi-E What is it? is a website dedicated to Sumi-E and Beppe Mokuza Signoritt - a Zen Monk who has done Sumi-E for over 30 years and teaches classes around the world. The page the link goes to describes Sumi-E and all that it is as well. There is also a link on the history of Sumi-E that describes all of the history of the beautiful art form.

Japan Objects has a page dedicated to Sumi-E, what it is and how to start as a beginner to include how to hold your brush, how to paint a landscape and much more.

Instructables has a page that walks you thorough the various steps for starting Sumi-E and what is needed. A lot of what you need you can get from Elizabeth’s shop connected above. :). She also creates a number of her own brushes and other equipment that you can buy on her website. :)

You can also find Sumi-E kits on Amazon (see below - of note I am an Amazon Affiliate which means that I will get compensation for anything you purchase though my links, with no cost to you). :) And stay tuned as I will be doing a post later this year specific to Sumi-E and another on various painting techniques. :).

Artecho Chinese Calligraphy Brushes Gift, Calligraphy Sumi Brush, Chinese Brushes Set 10 Pces for Beginners

Artecho

Buy on Amazon

Thank you for joining us for this Maker Feature and thank you Elizabeth Schowachert Art for the introduction to this amazing artwork!  If there are other websites I should add please let me know by commenting below or sending me an email at vamicreations17@gmail.com. I’d also love to hear from you about what types of resources you want more information on as well as Makers you would like to nominate for a Maker Feature! Please email (vamicreations17@gmail.com) or leave a comment on this article!  Looking forward to hearing from you and have a great day!