About
Elyse Fairweather
I am an abstract realist painter living in the Santa Cruz Mountains with my husband, son and daughter. My studio is in our rambling garden, built with recycled windows and doors from our property. It's filled with light, a massive stove I grew up with, and the sound of our hens.
I think one of the reasons we all make art of one kind or another is to explore what makes us human. We are all looking for connection to each other, for a sense of belonging, and for shared experience. Art is also a way to escape and transcend the daily grind. This is what it does for me. When I paint, I feel the most free: my pared-down self. I can just "be" and respond to the materials in front of me while all the layers of awareness and worry fall away. I find many moments of beauty in this process! The first time I see a change in what I'm working on, the moment the feel of the work becomes something else, not just brushstrokes and paint. This is what I paint for.
CV
Education
2003-2005 BA, Honors, UC Davis, CA
1995-2003 Cabrillo Junior College, Aptos, CA
Exhibitions
2008 Open Studios Art Tour, Santa Cruz, CA
2008 Felix Kulpa Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
“Selections from 17th Avenue Studios Artists”
2008 Artworx Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
“Spatial Tendencies”
2008 Ironwood Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
2007 Ironwood Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA
2007 Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz, CA
"007 Stars Auction"
2007 Open Studios Art Tour, Santa Cruz, CA
2007 17th Ave. Studios, Santa Cruz, CA
"17th Avenue Spring Show"
2006 Museum of Art and History, Santa Cruz, CA "Moulin Rouge Stars Auction"
2006 Open Studios Art Tour, Santa Cruz, CA
2006 17th Ave. Studios, Santa Cruz, CA
"17th Avenue Spring Show"
2005 Basement Gallery, UC Davis, Davis, CA
"Elyse Fairweather" Solo Show
2004 Basement Gallery, UC Davis, Davis, CA "Choice/Voice" Group Show
1999 Cabrillo Gallery, Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA Cabrillo College Student Exhibition Group Show
1997 Cabrillo Gallery, Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA Cabrillo College Student Exhibition Group Show
Scholarships and Awards:
2003-2005 University Grant
2003-2004 University Fee Grant
2003-2005 Dean's Honor List
Publications
2020 Santa Clara County Bookmobile Newsletter