Waterways

Artist’s Creative Journey Continues with Exploration of Aquatic Landscapes

Sept. 28, 2014

Artist Lisa Perrine Brown has been fascinated by water for many years and her latest body of work–"Waterways"–pays homage to northern Michigan rivers, lakes and tributaries.

"Everything gets back to water," says Brown. "It’s the most important thing for our existence."

Using maps as her templates, Brown weaves, sews and paints cotton and other fabrics to display aerial views of the Betsie, Manistee and Boardman rivers as they meander over the northern Michigan landscape. She has also captured the shapes of Big and Little Glen lakes.

"Waterlines tell us so much about the environment," explains Brown. "If it has rained substantially, the rivers flood and the water lines change upward. If there is a drought, the river water lines diminish. Water and feelings are so similar. If it rains, the land is nourished and the river will be healthy, but if there is a drought or misuse, then the river diminishes and may even disappear."

Brown has been an auto designer, toy designer, fashion illustrator, teacher, researcher, traveler and explorer of art movements and languages. Since 2011, she has been focusing on fine art in her basement studio at Cogs Creek Gallery in Traverse City.

"I felt that I finally found my artistic home along with some amazing artists and designers," says Brown.

HOW I GOT STARTED

With my fifth grade Christmas present from my parents of charcoal pencils, pastels, watercolors, and drawing books.

I remember sitting with my grandpa and him telling me I should become a nurse like my mother. I told him I didn’t have the aptitude for science and that I was much better at art. I promised him I would make more money out of college as an artist than a nurse.

I became a toy designer and learned to sew plush, build models, draw three-dimensional toys, and so much more. After my internship at Hasbro, I was offered a job at Playskool Baby. I drew a salary of $27,000 out of college. I was very proud of myself. I had kept my promise to my grandpa.

Many years later, I decided it was time for me to attempt to be a fine artist. I rented a space in Ypsilanti"¦I taught students to weave and began sewing patchwork sorts of quilts that were highly overstitched that later evolved into fine art purses. It was the almost-starving-artist-lifestyle until I met my boyfriend, who invited me to move to Traverse City.

In the beginning, I had a love-hate relationship with Traverse City, actually Leelanau County. I missed my studio downstate"¦After a year, I decided to make a move and sent applications all over the world and landed a job in Mumbai, India, teaching product design.

So, I became a different kind of snowbird, dividing my time between India and Traverse City over the next five years. During this time, my Leelanau boyfriend was courting me back to the states. We married Dec. 31, 2006. My husband Gary Brown is my biggest fan. I am so grateful for him and how he supports my artistic visions.

INSPIRATION BEHIND MY ART

Coordinates. Many of us are always trying to figure out where we belong in this world. Could we be searching for our perfect longitude and latitude? Where do we stand right now? Where are we going? How long will it take us to get to our next destination?

I have gauged my life by how fast I can get from point A to point B–how many spots on the map I have actually visited. Will I ever return to a certain point on the map? Will I ever have this hunger sated if I don’t go to certain points on the planet?

My artwork marks where I am in life right now, right here in Traverse City. My life is not stagnant, but a complex weaving of friends and relationships.

WORK I’M MOST PROUD OF

It’s like asking a mother which child she likes best. If I had to pick, I would have to say "Waterways". My current body of sewn, woven and painted aerial views of waterways exhibits an extreme amount of artistic focus and discipline over the past year.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE

I was interviewed by telephone to work for Raffle International in Mumbai while tailgating before a Hall & Oates concert at Interlochen. And I accepted! Also, I couch surfed across Europe with my 4-year-old daughter for three months this past winter. Daily budget: $40.

MY FAVORITE ARTIST

I appreciate so many, but recently some who have caught my eye include Lisa Psenka, Kaye Krapohl, Julie Kradel, Lindy Bishop and Sarah Bearup-Neal.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

Believe that you can do it! Most people say you cannot because they have never accomplished anything like this themselves.

If someone does not have a personal experience about what you’re going to try to attempt, they should not offer you advice. They don’t know what they are talking about.

Professional artists and applied artists can make a living wage or better.

MY WORK CAN BE SEEN/PURCHASED

"Waterways" will be displayed at Lake Street Studios in Glen Arbor from Sept. 19 to Oct. 13. My work can also be seen at my home by appointment. Call for appointment (231) 409-7592. Also, you can like my art page on Facebook: Lisa Perrine Brown – Artist.