Artist Spotlight: Elissa Mizell
Every month, we highlight one of the amazing artists in our reuse community.
This month, ACR has the privilege of spotlighting Elissa Mizell, a Round Rock-based architect-turned-artist who turns old textiles into new, wearable pieces of art. Elissa’s love for clothing design and reuse started at a young age, designing and repurposing outfits for both herself and her guinea pigs with the help of her mother, who she credits as her creative inspiration. Additionally, she creates lighting fixtures from reuse materials and enjoys creating 3D installations for friends.
Learn more about Elissa and how she incorporates reuse into her work in the following interview.
When did you learn to sew and how did you start sewing using recycled materials?
I learned to sew when I was around 6. My mom helped me design and make clothes for my guinea pig (guinea pigs don’t need clothes!). I started sewing for myself in high school, buying second-hand clothing and altering it to fit.
Do you have other creative hobbies?
I love creating installations, and hope to develop that side of my portfolio in the future. So far I have created installations for teacher friends. I have a masters degree in architecture, so anything 3D is my wheelhouse. I also love music. I sing.
Which aspect of creating is your favorite?
I have a visual memory. I often purchase something because of the color, texture, or pattern, and then it waits while my creative ideas are fermenting–until I find the perfect pairing that brings out the beauty in all the pieces that go into the composition. I love that moment when the “fit” clicks, and I know something beautiful is going to jump out of my chaos.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I find inspiration in nature, in warm memories with my family (and in imagining future memories for my clients that will be inspired by my work). The memory of my mom also inspires me. She loved people so well during her lifetime, and now that she is gone, I hope to carry on her legacy of love in my work, in my interactions with friends and clients, and in creating environments where people feel free and encouraged to be themselves. She always made everything she touched better. I hope to do the same.
What is your preferred way to engage with your audience?
I really love to engage with my clients in person at markets. I love to listen to their stories, and to help them find pieces of clothing that express their personalities. Second to “in-person,” I love Instagram, though my grown up kids don’t think I use it right. I tend to talk to my “audience” as if they are my friends. I share what I’m doing, working on, and what I am thinking about.
How does reuse play a part in your creativity?
I work in 99% recycled materials, even my threads and buttons and zippers. My goal is to shop for 75% of my materials at local charities that support local causes. The other 25% of my materials come from friends and neighbors.
Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?
My favorite ACR find was a red Mexican embroidered dress. I plan to cut it up and add the recycled embroidery to a vintage wool jacket I bought in Sweden this summer.
Where can we find out more about your work?
Follow me on Instagram, and PLEASE come see me. I always post where I will be.