Elise Pescheret Shows Abstracts at Base Camp

Painting by Elise Pescheret.

“These paintings are beautiful,” I noted over coffee and hazelnut granola at Base Camp Coffee Bar, turning my gaze from wall to wall, captivated by the colors, the brush strokes, the lines of various pieces. “Whose are these?!”

I snapped a picture of the artist statement – Elise Pescheret – and after a quick Google search found her website, her contact information and asked her a few questions about her art:

Sally Slattery (SS): How did your interest in art begin?

Elise Pescheret (EP): Creativity has been a part of my make-up as a human being ever since I can remember. I was extremely blessed with creative parents who encouraged all forms of creative expression as well as some amazing art educators throughout my growth as an artist (some even locally at Peninsula Art School!).

After high school I made the choice to go to college for art and design, which only greatened my love for art but also exposed me to the art world as a whole. As the years went on, I continued to uncover new art mediums of interest, being especially drawn to those that allowed tactile involvement. It was during a study abroad trip in Tuscany that I was given the opportunity to explore those tactile mediums I had so longed for, which challenged me as an artist and helped me grow.

From there, I’ve continued to explore new forms of artistic expression, currently taking the form of abstract paintings.

Elise Pescheret paints in her studio.

SS: Did any one in particular (famous or not, dead or living) influence your work?

EP: The raw, emotive quality of Cy Twombly and Jackson Pollock’s brushstrokes is something I strive to bring to each and every piece – connecting with the viewer on an emotional level through texture and color.

SS: What inspires you?

EP: Nature continues to be a driving source of inspiration for me. While there is not direct representation in my work, small things like naturally occurring color pairings or intricate textures can inspire a new piece or series. In addition, long runs with time alone with my thoughts never hurt.

SS: What are you trying to convey or achieve in your work?

EP: I am looking to create genuine, inspired color compositions that promote natural movement throughout the piece. I try to capture fluidity and texture in a vibrant color palette, exploring the possibilities of the medium.

Painting by Elise Pescheret.

SS: Do you work in any other mediums?

EP: I am constantly experimenting with new mediums, having experience in photography, drawing, book making, jewelry, graphic arts, printmaking, etc. I try to keep a working sketchbook to keep up on my drawing skills and regularly attend life-drawing classes.

SS: You reside in Chicago, correct? How did you come to show your work in Door County.

EP: Door County has been my home away from home for my whole life, one that my family has treasured as a place to get-away-from-it-all. I visit regularly throughout the year and love the supportive art community the area fosters.

Galleries like Woodwalk Gallery and Edgewood Gallery have been so influential for me as a young artist, in addition to the Peninsula Art School when I was a child. It felt right to exhibit my work in a place so close to my heart.

SS: What are you currently working on?

EP: Currently, I am working on paintings that challenge the conventionally sized canvas – bigger and more expansive. In addition, I am delving into a variety of online tutorial classes to sharpen my digital design skills and read up on the design masters of our time. I’ve always been told, you can never truly progress until you know what has come before you.

Hurry over to Base Camp Coffee Bar, 10904 Highway 42 in Sister Bay, to view Pescheret’s work – they are only on display for a few days more!

For more information about Pescheret and to view more of her work, visit elisepescheret.com.