Meet Elisabeth Baker: Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisabeth Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisabeth, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because it has been the one and only thing I have been interested in since I was young. My dad is an artist and works as a graphic designer, so I grew up practicing art and being exposed to art. It was always my favorite subject in school, and when I got to high school I was lucky enough to have amazing teachers that challenged me, and further pushed my interest in pursuing art. When I got to collage at CU Boulder, I didn’t think twice before choosing to major in studio art. My experience in that program was wonderful, and prepared me to work in the creative industry. Throughout my adult life, I’ve had a handful of jobs that didn’t involve creativity or art, and they didn’t last long!  

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art practice has evolved and changed quite a bit over the years. In college I studied painting, when I graduated I worked as an installation artist, and now my primary focus is on collage and workshops. At the moment, I’m most excited about my collage workshop offering, “Visual Vinyasa.” I’ve blended my training as a yoga instructor with my experience as a collage artist into one workshop experience. The workshop welcomes all backgrounds ( no artistic ability needed ) and it is completely customizable based on the goals of the group- whether it be a private birthday party, a corporate goal setting experience, or a team bonding activity. The goal of the workshop is to teach people how to create a beautiful collage composition, as well as show how meditative the process of making art can be. Themes of mindfulness, and “placing with intention” are presented – to provide not only a creative exercise, but also a moment of internal reflection and peace. Since COVID hit, I’ve taken the workshops to the virtual space. My hope is to provide a new way of connecting with one another through zoom. In a season where we are all spending a lot more time in front of screens, my goal is to provide an experience where people are able to use their hands and brains in a different way. These workshops have become my greatest joy in my business. I feel the most full and rewarded when I see other people experiencing the revelations, freedoms, and confidence that making art can bring. More often than not, the people who come to the workshop thinking they have no artistic ability are the ones that feel the most connected to the process, and surprise themselves with their abilities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am completely obsessed with food and eating out, so my primary focus when friends come to visit Denver is always around just that. Of course, if I’m thinking about pre COVID times, I would take them to some of my favorite Denver restaurants. For dinner, I love Dio Mio in RiNo for unbelievably delicious and creative handmade pasta, Tavernetta at Union Station (Can you tell I like Italian food?), or La Mexicana Taqueria in the Highlands for the best authentic Mexican food. For brunch, I love Stowaway in RiNo for the wonderful ambiance and quality dishes that are created with love and attention. A weekly staple for me since discovering it has been Rivers and Roads on Bruce Randolph Ave. They are completely gluten free, and have the MOST delicious baked goods I’ve come across. Their bakery menu changes daily, and they are the kindest, warmest staff you will ever meet! If my guest is feeling active, I would bring them on one of my favorite hikes. One thing I love about hiking in Colorado is that there is such a wide range of trails catering to different ability levels. Some favorites include: Royal Arch at Chautauqua in Boulder, Bear Creek trail in Kittredge, and Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.  

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to my partner, Tobias Krause. He has been hugely instrumental in helping me along this path of working for myself as a full-time artist. He has been there to support and encourage me since before the journey began. When I was in the process of deciding whether to stay at my corporate job or work for myself, he was the one who had faith in me that I could make it work ( which I needed to trust and borrow from him at the time! ) He was the one offering support and thinking of ways we could make it work. Tobias is always there to listen to the struggles I face as an entrepreneur, as well as help me solve problems, and figure out ways of going about things. I truly couldn’t do what I do without him!

Website: https://www.elisabethbaker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisabeth_grace_
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-baker-82b6aa9a/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elisabethgraceart
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGXXXqtW6VQl0zYpmbdgqzA

Image Credits
Corinna Lander Photography