Behind the Artist: Eliza Southwood
This week we sat down with artist Eliza Southwood, master of graphic geometric design and her architectural inspiration.
![](https://greatbigcanvas.ghost.io/content/images/2021/05/21-0426_GBC-Blog_04-07.jpg)
Every so often we find some time to pull an artist away from their canvas or tablet and chat with them about their background in art and the influences that go into their creation. Today we caught up with Eliza Southwood, master of graphic geometric design.
![Black and white portrait of artist Eliza Southwood and her artwork titled 'Yellow Major Taylor, 2014'](https://greatbigcanvas.ghost.io/content/images/2021/04/21-0426_GBC-Blog_01.jpg)
What is your background in art?
Eliza: I always wanted to be an artist, since I was old enough to pick up a pencil. However, I trained as an architect initially. After 8 years or so of architecture I decided to become a full time artist.
![a room interior with green chair and canvas print hanging on wall of graphic art](https://greatbigcanvas.ghost.io/content/images/2021/04/21-0426_GBC-Blog_05.jpg)
What inspires your artistic journey today?
I love the colour and textures you see everywhere, whether in urban environments or rural landscapes. I can find anything inspiring actually! I'm never short of new ideas.
![a bright room interior with a framed print hanging on wall of graphic bicycling art](https://greatbigcanvas.ghost.io/content/images/2021/04/21-0426_GBC-Blog_02-03.jpg)
What was the moment you knew you'd art would be would be your career - not just a hobby?
About a decade ago I was getting really stressed in my office job as an architect and I just decided there and then to leave. I did a couple of courses and got hooked on printmaking.
![A photograph of artist Eliza Southwood working on a linocut in her studio](https://greatbigcanvas.ghost.io/content/images/2021/04/21-0426_GBC-Blog_03.jpg)
How do you know when a piece is 'ready' to share? or What do you hope people feel when they look at your art?
I know it's ready to share when I like it myself. I'm not generally a perfectionist but I am when it comes to my artwork and it has to look right before I let it out there. I hope my work makes people feel happy when they look at it, like something beautiful that they might feel a connection with. Or maybe it could remind them of a particularly significant place or time.
We can certainly see the architectural influence in Eliza's impactful collection. Discover her style here!
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