Artist of the Month February 2025

Elizabeth Foley

Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Elizabeth Foley is an award-winning artist and creativity coach based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her work spans from ceramic sculpture series that amplify Domestic Violence survivors’ stories to Intentional Creativity® painting focused on feminine empowerment. Her work has been exhibited and is in permanent installations across the United States. Elizabeth's art emerges from a deep commitment to using creativity as a catalyst for personal and social transformation.

How and when did you start creating art?

I've loved art since my first box of crayons, but my true artistic journey began when I discovered pottery in a high school sculpture class. The connection was instant and profound, leading me to study ceramics at the University of Oregon and complete a potter's apprenticeship. Over the years, my artistic path has meandered through unexpected territories, including sculpting in stone and chocolate. Now, I've found my way back to my first love - the simple magic of transforming a humble lump of clay into something marvelous.

What media and genres do you work in?

I work primarily in two mediums: ceramics and acrylic painting. My signature ceramic works are large-scale swan sculptures in my 'Finding Wings' series, which aims to raise awareness about domestic violence. These pieces incorporate survivors' stories carved directly into individually crafted feathers, requiring multiple kiln firings and innovative joining techniques. In parallel, I create Intentional Creativity® paintings that explore feminine archetypes, safety, and empowerment.

Who or what are your influences?

My work is deeply influenced by my spiritual connection to nature and a commitment to creating art that catalyzes social change. I draw inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy's innovative integration of natural materials and Don Reitz's ability to push traditional craft into bold new territories. The fearless authenticity of Frida Kahlo and the empowering feminine wisdom in my mentor Shiloh Sophia McCloud's work have also profoundly shaped my artistic vision.

What was your inspiration for

Finding Wings: Sage's Story

?

'Finding Wings: Sage's Story' emerged from my desire to give voice to survivors of domestic violence. I chose the swan as my canvas for its powerful metaphor of grace and transformation. Each feather of this sculpture is carved with excerpts of Sage's journey - from a young mother escaping abuse to becoming a women’s empowerment coach, author, and artist.

Describe your creative process?

My process begins with guiding each survivor through an Intentional Creativity® painting session, where they express their story through color and form. These painted narratives then inspire the sculptural work, as I carefully carve their words into individually crafted feathers. The swan forms themselves are built in separate hollow sections - the body and neck created through slab building techniques, while the head and beak emerge from pinch pots. After glazing and multiple firings to cone 6, I assemble these components into the final sculpture using industrial epoxy.

What are you working on currently?

A significant part of my current focus is curating collaborative shows that create platforms where survivors can share their stories and art with the broader community. For the upcoming 'Rebirth: Art by Survivors of Domestic Violence' exhibition at the Yadkinville Arts Council in North Carolina, I'm creating two new pieces for my Finding Wings series alongside developing my 'Shield of Safety' painting series.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

My vision is to create a flock of Finding Wings sculptures that will become a traveling exhibition. This exhibit will serve multiple purposes: giving survivors a platform to share their stories and art, educating communities, and raising funds for organizations that provide crucial support to survivors.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

You can find more about my work on my website at https://radiantearthstudios.com/. You can also find me on Insta @radiantearthstudios and on Patreon at Finding Wings with Artist Elizabeth Foley https://www.patreon.com/c/artistelizabethfoley