Lissa Bockrath’s oil paintings transport you into a fantasy world of haunting skies and striking landscapes. 

 

 

Lissa earned a BFA in Painting from the Cleveland Institute of Art but spent her younger days growing up in a farm town called Norwalk.

 

“I came from a small town where there were no other fine artist role models so I assumed it was an impossible dream” yet here she is today acclaimed and praised by the likes of the Saatchi gallery, host to some of the most talented artists alive.

 

Her signature smoky signals, hazed heavens and poignant prospects can instantly be recognised which can only be said of true artists. Dramatic shades and beautiful names complete Bockrath’s mystical world with titles such as “Beautiful Disaster”, “Sapphire Plunge” and “Touch of the Eternal”. We spoke to the fine arts bachelor to discuss art, nature and advice.

 

GYNOSOME: When was it that you got into art?

Lissa: I have always loved art. I spent much of my youth drawing and creating. I came from a small town where there were no other fine artists role models so I assumed it was an impossible dream. I tried to redirect my interests but when I was a junior in high school I had to take an elective. I chose an art class and by the second day I knew that I would do anything to make it in the arts. 

 

GYNOSOME: What inspired you to start painting?

 

Lissa: My high school art teacher was really great at exposing us to many different mediums. I knew from the first painting that it was my passion.

 

GYNOSOME: What inspires your paintings now?

Lissa: Currently my work is inspired by the changing environ- ment. Although I may be depicting destructive ominous scenes I look to find the beauty in them.

 

GYNOSOME: How long does it take you, on average, to create one of your paintings?

Lissa: Some take hours while others takes months. I paint in oils and it is necessary to allow drying time so I work on 10-20 works at a time. Often times the fastest ones are the most suc- cessful because they seem spontaneous and effortless.

 

GYNOSOME: Why do you think it’s important to paint nature?

 

Lissa: For me, nature is everything. I do not practice a formal religion but my moments in nature and while painting are a med- itative almost spiritual experience. It helps me to make sense of the world. I celebrate nature and am in Awe of her natural beauty even in the most destructive of times.

 

GYNOSOME: What is your dream? Have you reached it yet?

 

Lissa: I want to continue to grow as an artist and continue to reach a wider audience. This year has been really remarkable I have made sales all over the word and have booked some international solo shows. I am not someone who does things half way so I assume I will never be satisfied until I am in every corner of the world!

 

GYNOSOME: You first exhibited your work in 1993 at the Con- temporary Art Centre in Ohio, right? How did that come about? Would you say that was your first big break?

Lissa: No, it was a slow process. I owned my own gallery for 10 years and represented myself as well as other artists. I travelled a lot and connected to galleries across the US and Canada. It’s a continuous process that has slowly been built over time. Noth- ing happens unless you make it happen.

 

GYNOSOME: Many artists struggle for years before getting their work noticed, let alone exhibited. Was there a time when you felt the struggle, if so when was it?

 

Lissa: When I graduated from Art School I approached lots of galleries and they were all booked for years in advance. I also felt that galleries I approached were not necessarily ideal to ex- hibit in. I decided to open my own gallery in a arts district. I came in thinking as long as I can pay the rent for the first few months I will be happy. I was very fortunate that the gallery and the work I showed was well received and I exceeded all my expectations.

 

GYNOSOME: What would you recommend for fellow artists or any- one that is going through a struggle of feeling unnoticed?

 

Lissa: Just keep working and putting it out there! Don’t give up!!