Focus On... Eliza Frye! {And A Giveaway!}

I first came across Eliza Frye when I searching etsy for interesting, modern unicorn art. I found Roping, the first piece below and fell in love. I have it now, framed and hanging in my bedroom and it makes me happy every time I see it. For those of you who have read the Wicked books, it reminds me of Elphaba - though she's never described as riding a unicorn, I could see that happening. Eliza is an extremely talented artist who has also proven to be quite generous! Read on for the interview and giveaway!


Tell me some basic info about yourself.

Hi! My name is Eliza Frye and I'm a graphic novelist, illustrator and exhibiting artist. My work focuses on exploring expression through suggestion and negative space. Every piece has a secret to tell, just not out loud. I also own Miss Scarlet in the Parlor, an art gallery in Echo Park and teach animation at Inner-City Arts through Calarts' Community Arts Partnership.

{roping}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work mainly in gouache because it has all the benefits of watercolor, but with more options in terms of opacity and layering. It's a very versatile medium.

{the forlorn butcher}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

I hear it's what all the cool kids are doing these days.

{black bird}

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm most inspired by my friends and music. A good pair of headphones can always cure creative block.

{magic everywhere minicomic}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

It depends on the project. Recently I've been working on a graphic novel about mermaids and have been bumping a lot of Crystal Castles, Janelle Monae, and Jackson and His Computer Band.

{the usual fellow}

When it's cold outside...

it's time to put on a Russian fur hat and drink some more tea.

{call me kat notecard}

When I'm hungry...

whatever happens I'd like it to end with frozen yogurt.

{unicorn rider}

When I need a boost...

I put on a one piece and tall leather boots. It's usually more like a kick in the ass though.

{the prettiest mare anywhere notecard}

I wish I was/were...

able to dress like a superhero all the time.

{fawn}

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be...

some money. This economy sucks.

{cigar box beauty}

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be...

Lady Gaga, though I hear she drinks tea.

{monkey bars}

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I am an animal.

{hand of death}

What's your favorite piece of your own?

My favorite painting of my own is probably "Cold Blood." I'd like to do more with nose bleeds.

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?

I'm addicted to both Hark! A Vagrant and Pictures for Sad Children.

You can find Eliza 
at her website, 
on her blog, 
on twitter, 
on facebook, 
and of course, on etsy!

Eliza has very generously offered to give away her original painting, Fawn, to one lucky winner!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -

- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -

- Please leave separate comments for each entry. - 

First entry (mandatory):

Head over to Eliza Frye and tell me your favorite item!

Extra entries (optional):

- Heart Eliza Frye on Etsy.

- Sign up for Eliza's mailing list.
- Become Eliza's friend on Facebook.

- Follow Eliza Frye on Twitter.

- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.

- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

- Add my button to your blog.

- Like Kate and Oli on Facebook.

- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link. 

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time October 23, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on October 24, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Eliza will ship anywhere in the world!