By Nick Christophers
The art world has gone through many changes over the years since abstract / surrealist artist Lisa Zilker picked up a brush. Lisa was always in love with the arts; her grand-father was one of her main inspirations as he gave her, her first paint-box. She painted her first oil painting from that paint-box “Clouds” at age five from a dream. It was then that she realized that painting was her calling.
She attended the well-known art college The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan where she completed a BFA in Fine Arts and Art Education with a minor in Psychology. Her style of painting focuses on abstract expressionism and surrealism. Lisa’s work is very unique since every project carries a personal piece of Lisa in it.
“Many of my works are derived from my dreams and my meditation. I get very comfortable with the mediums I utilize to interpret my dreams. I use not earth tones instead I focus on intense colors.”
Since her time at SVA her work has been included in many solo and group exhibits. One of her favorite shows was a solo show at Tribeca Synagogue Gallery which was extended several times running from February thru June 2014. The show was even more special when it was given a 5 star review by well-known critic Jonathan Goodman. It was a key feather in Lisa’s artistic hat. That specific show was entitled “Conversations between Blue & Red”.
Aside from her shows she has also started her own business called “Canvas & Cocktails” which she started in 2016. “Canvas & Cocktails” is actually a class where people come together and paint with step by step instruction i.e. paint-night, Private parties, open groups & corporate team building events. It is an interesting concept since each participant creates their own interpretation of the piece. She has worked with students of all ages whether it is a corporate event or a private house party.
“It is a fun and enjoyable concept that many enjoy. My goal is to do more corporate events or even take on private students.”
Lisa has had affiliation with some key organizations like American Alliance of Museums, Women’s Caucus of America, The National Arts Club and more. Her desire to assist others is also a big part of her life. Ever since she can remember she has been devoted to helping others. Lisa has offered her time to the Outreach Mentor Program, Job Path NYC for many years as a teacher for individuals with disabilities.
In 1998 she came up with a unique idea called the “post-card project” where she created and mail out post cards. She sent these cards to individuals who would then return them to her. After she received all of the cards she created a book which she is currently looking to publish. It is a beautiful assortment of art work along with literature that reflects the art work. The postcards recount day-to-day events, feelings & a three month road trip cross country are a collection of thoughts, feelings, poetry, experiences, proses and drawings.
She also has private and corporate collections in various parts of the world from New York to Australia. Lisa has also curator art shows at The National Arts Club and Bergen Medical Center. As far as gallery shows go, she has one coming up in September in Paterson, New Jersey at “Art Factory”. To get to know Lisa is to know her work which takes you on a journey into her dreams and thoughts. She is a one of a kind artist whose work grabs your interest from the first viewing.
