When Curiosity Is the Only Map | Liz Perry

For this Arts to Hearts Project interview, we sat down with Vancouver-based artist Liz Perry to discuss how she turns everyday moments into striking visual stories. With over two decades of painting behind her, Liz shares how growing up surrounded by the rain-soaked beauty of the West Coast—and the lack of bold visuals around her—sparked her love for colour and expressive brushwork.

In this conversation, Liz opens up about how her ADHD shapes the way she chooses her subjects, why she paints from instinct rather than precision, and how studying art taught her when to trust her gut. We also get a closer look at her creative process, the emotions that drive her work, and what she hopes people feel when they see it. This interview shows how Liz experiences the world and how that energy makes its way onto the canvas.

Liz Perry is a featured artist in our book, “101 Art Book: Portrait Edition.” You can explore his journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Meet Liz Perry, a Vancouver local, whose artistic journey spans over two decades. Liz’s art speaks to the soul, blending vivid colours and bold brushstrokes to create pieces that resonate with depth and emotion. Inspired by the beauty of everyday life, Liz Perry’s work captures the essence of human experience and the wonders of nature. Hailing from Vancouver, Liz’s passion for art has been nurtured by her surroundings and upbringing in the vibrant city. With an insatiable curiosity, Liz embarked on a self-discovery journey through the art world.

Liz Perry’s artistic education took her through various institutions, including Kwantlen University, Simon Fraser University, and a year-long Painting Mastery Program. ​ Through the years, Liz’s artwork has graced numerous art shows, captivating audiences with its raw honesty and expressive beauty. Whether depicting human faces/figures, animals or floral scenes, Liz’s art reflects the shared human experience in the wonders of the natural world. Liz Perry’s work speaks to the heart of the everyday person, inviting viewers to connect with their emotions and surroundings. Liz invites us to see the world through new eyes with each brush stroke and find beauty in the simplest moments.

1.   Your work captures emotion through bold brushstrokes and vivid colour—how do you translate everyday moments into such powerful visuals?    

I start by paying attention to the small, often overlooked moments—quiet reflections, a fleeting expression, the feeling behind a pause. I let those moments sit with me and then approach the canvas instinctively rather than precisely. The bold brushstrokes and vivid colours are my way of amplifying what’s felt but not always seen. I’m not trying to recreate the moment exactly—I’m trying to capture its energy and the emotion beneath it. It’s less about what something looks like and more about how it feels. That’s what guides the marks I make.

Your voice will get clearer the more you listen to it, not the louder the outside world gets.

Liz Perry

2.  Growing up in Vancouver influenced your art. What aspects of the city or nature around you have shaped your creative voice most?  

Growing up in Vancouver shaped me as both an observer and an artist. I was constantly tuned into people—their subtle expressions, body language, and voice. That quiet awareness has dramatically impacted how I approach portraiture and emotional expression in my work. At the same time, being surrounded by the West Coast’s natural beauty made me notice the tiny, often-missed details in nature—the texture of moss, the way light hits wet leaves—and that sensitivity shows up in the layered textures and forms I paint. And honestly, with all the grey skies and rain, I craved colour. There weren’t a lot of bright murals or bold visuals around me growing up, so I started creating them myself. My art became the burst of energy I wanted to see.

3. Your subjects range from people to florals and animals. What draws you to such a wide variety, and how do you choose what to paint next? 

I have ADHD, so my mind naturally jumps between ideas and subjects—it’s part of how I experience the world. While it can feel chaotic sometimes, it also gives me a wide lens of curiosity and sensitivity. I’m drawn to whatever pulls at me emotionally in the moment—sometimes it’s the expression on a face, other times it’s the softness of a flower or the movement of an animal. Each subject lets me explore something different, but the through line is always emotion and presence. I don’t always choose what to paint next—it’s more like the subject chooses me. I’ve learned to trust that pull and let it guide the work.

4. You’ve studied at several institutions and completed a Painting Mastery Program. How has your education impacted your style or process?

Studying at different institutions and completing the Painting Mastery Program gave me a strong technical foundation, but more importantly, it taught me how to break the rules with intention. I learned how to slow down and truly see—whether that’s in observing a subject or analysing my work. The education gave me tools and structure, but also helped me recognise when to let go of control and trust my intuition. That balance between discipline and freedom is a big part of my process. I can confidently approach a painting, knowing the technical side supports the emotional expression I’m after.

I’m not trying to recreate the moment exactly—I’m trying to capture the energy of it, the emotion beneath it.

Liz Perry

5. Your art feels very accessible and emotionally honest. What do you hope viewers think or take away when they see your work?   

I hope viewers feel seen. My work is rooted in emotion, vulnerability, and the beauty of imperfection—so if someone looks at a piece and feels a sense of connection or relief, like they’re not alone in what they’re feeling, then I’ve done my job. I want people to walk away with a sense of boldness, too, like it’s okay to be messy, unsure, or in progress. I hope that my art permits people to slow down, feel deeply, and maybe even reconnect with parts of themselves they’ve tucked away.

6. What advice would you give to women artists who want to develop their voice while staying true to what moves them?   

Never give up—even when it feels like nothing is working. The creative path is uncertain, but things will shift if you keep showing up. Stay curious and keep learning, whether by watching a YouTube tutorial, joining a class, or experimenting independently. Growth doesn’t always come in big leaps—it often comes in quiet moments of persistence. Most importantly, trust what moves you. Your voice will get clearer the more you listen, not the louder the outside world gets.

Liz Perry’s artwork captures how things feel rather than how they look. Through bold brushstrokes and rich colour, she brings emotion and energy to everyday subjects—whether it’s a passing expression, a bird in motion, or the softness of a flower. What we’ve learned from Liz is that making art doesn’t always come from having a perfect plan—it can come from following a feeling, trusting a moment, and letting curiosity lead the way.

Her journey reminds us that paying attention to small things, staying open, and showing up consistently can build something meaningful over time. To learn more about Liz, click the following links to visit her profile.

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