Artist Lisa Kinzelberg Finds New Perspective in Art

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UDO SPREITZENBARTH

Artist Lisa Kinzelberg’s inspiration lies in the fusion of passion, self-expression, and a lifelong relationship with creativity. From an early age, she found herself captivated by the transformative power of art, beauty, ideas, and culture. These elements have always energized her, shaping a journey that has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about creating meaningful works.

Since her childhood, she demonstrated an uncanny ability to infuse her artistic endeavors with deep emotion. “I remember in kindergarten, I painted the ocean on a pillow for Mother’s Day. The water seemed to spread endlessly, like the love I felt for my mom,” she said.  While this early talent hinted at a bright future, her path to becoming a professional artist was not linear. Societal expectations and practical concerns, including the ever-present question of how to make a living through art, initially led her down a different path. She pursued a career in business, built a family, and devoted years to raising her children.

But her yearning for creative expression was never quelled. Over time, she found herself returning to art, leaning into the practice that had always brought her joy and clarity. For her, creating art is an act of renewal—a way to reclaim her energy and passion for life. Now fully committed to her craft, she describes the experience of making art akin to finding herself again. “Creating and experiencing art in all its forms, especially the visual arts, fashion and music, has always helped me get to my highest vibration, to being playful and revealing, and to truly express and know myself,” Kinzelberg explained.

The Meaning Behind the Art

At its core, her work is about perspective. She invites viewers to explore multiple interpretations and meanings, creating art that serves as a mirror for self-reflection. Drawing on her background in philosophy and her interest in cultural thought leaders, she emphasizes the importance of ambiguity in art. “Art has ambiguity, so the viewer assigns meaning,” she explained. “Why that meaning? If you take the time to evaluate how you interpret a work of art, you understand yourself better.” This interplay between artist, artwork, and audience creates a space for introspection and, ultimately, gratitude.

She also aims to evoke a sense of “awe”—a feeling that transcends words and connects individuals. “What is special about art is that it gives us experiences that you feel, yet can’t always put into words. I’m a philosopher and being open and malleable is a superpower. I want my art to take you on a transformational journey to see our world as one humanity,” she explained.

 A Celebration of Place

Kinzelberg’s latest series, “Cities of the World,” is a testament to her fascination with the places we inhabit and the profound emotional resonance they hold. Inspired by her travels, the series captures the unique energy, landscape, and character of cities across the globe. “Each painting has its own energy,” she said. “A city evolves under specific economic, climate, and social pressures, and that’s fascinating to me.” The series also celebrates the deeply personal connections people have to the cities they love, whether as hometowns, travel destinations, or sources of cherished memories.

One of the defining elements of “Cities of the World” is its ability to evoke the emotions tied to travel. She draws inspiration from a plane descending into a new city. “It’s the anticipation, perspective on your own life, and gratitude for the experience and memory. I love the perspective you gain from travel. I want these works to represent what a particular city means to the viewer.”

Milestones and Recognition

She has experienced many rewarding moments in her career, but one standout event was her debut of “Cities of the World” at Art Basel Miami’s SCOPE Art Show. The series received a warm reception, attracting collectors and admirers from diverse backgrounds and geographies. “There is nothing more fulfilling than creating something from your heart, from scratch, and having people ‘get’ it and respond to it,” she reflected. “The ultimate reward for me is when people want to buy my work and live with it in their homes. It’s the greatest acknowledgment of what you’re doing as an artist and a profound vote of confidence.”

Her work is currently exhibited at the Virgil Catherine Gallery in Hinsdale, Illinois, and the D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery in Ridgefield, Connecticut. An upcoming two-person show at D. Colabella, starting May 15, will feature her latest additions to the “Cities of the World” series. Additionally, she participates in major art fairs, including Art Basel Miami, and takes on commissioned projects. Many of these commissions are deeply personal, as clients request pieces that celebrate cities tied to significant life events, such as where they grew up or where they honeymooned.

A Distinctive Style

Kinzelberg’s artistic style is characterized by its embrace of materiality, layers, and an intentional primitivism. She credits a college printmaking class with shaping her approach, particularly her interest in how materials interact with each other and how they can be harnessed to express their own qualities. “I like layers and seeing the artist’s labor with the material,” she explained. “It gives my work a feeling of history.”

Mistakes and imperfections are not obstacles but opportunities. She embraces “happy accidents” and paints over elements that don’t feel right, guided by instinct rather than overthinking. This process results in pieces that feel organic and alive, with markings and textures that tell a story of creation.

Looking Ahead

As she continues to build her career, she remains driven by her love for art and her desire to connect with others through her work. Whether she is exploring new cities, experimenting with materials, or engaging with collectors, her journey is one of passion, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.

For those looking to experience her work firsthand, Kinzelberg offers a variety of opportunities to view and collect her pieces. From gallery exhibitions to art fairs and commissioned projects, she continues to make her mark on the art world.

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