Artist Biography

C. Elise Piitz (née Mullen) is an artist whose practice revolves around capturing the delicate interplay of manmade objects and nature in the right light. Her fascination with light and shadow stems from a deeply personal place: diagnosed with tumid lupus, a photosensitive skin disorder, Elise cannot enjoy the sun's rays, but she finds immense inspiration in the art that light creates.

Elise received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD), where she explored into various mediums such as jewellery and ceramics before discovering her true passion for printmaking and painting. Her journey into urban-themed art began in her first year at ACAD, working from photographs taken during a formative trip to New York City. Elise's personality and vision are vividly expressed through her rapid brushstrokes, capturing the purity of her first instincts.

As a passionate educator, Elise thrives on sharing her knowledge and inspiring others. Her teaching experience, coupled with her energetic public speaking skills, make her an engaging and effective artist in residence. Elise is highly organized and knowledgeable, with a keen ability to connect with audiences through both in-person and virtual demonstrations for her art workshops. Her active presence on social media further amplifies her influence, allowing her to reach and inspire a broader audience.

Her artistic exploration is unceasing, always pushing boundaries by blending different media to forge new creative paths. Elise has showcased her talents through live art painting events for the Calgary Home Show and Absolute Vodka, and has taken on diverse commissions ranging from portraits of people and pets to cars and even ceiling murals. Her versatility extends to creating book covers and interactive wedding art.

Elise’s passion for art is a constant presence in her life, driving her to think about and create art every day. Her work is a testament to her love for new processes and her relentless drive to innovate. She eagerly anticipates each new opportunity to bring her unique vision to life.