Lyse Beck
Committee Member, Area Representative - Nelson
Nelson
Committee Member, Area Representative - Nelson
Nelson
Since I can remember I loved doing art and wanted to be an artist. In high school I was pushed into a science program and not allowed to take art. When I graduated high school I was pushed into computer science so I could “make a living.” While studying computer science, I did a class that made programs for graphic artists. I loved testing the software way more than coding for it. In my late twenties, I ignored the nay-sayers and went to art school. It was two of the best years of my life.
Upon graduation in Graphic Design, I went straight into the visual effects industry, which at that time, was in its infancy. I’ve had a three-decade career as a visual effects artist, making the impossible possible on such films as Fifth Element, Lord of the Rings, Avatar and more superhero movies than I care to remember. I’ve watched the technology evolve and VFX change from a bunch of rogue pirates to a thriving industry with structure and regulations. I’ve had the pleasure to see a rise of women in technical roles, from practically no women to almost 40% women.
This year, I’ve left the VFX industry (with much gratitude) and am going to focus on that old dream of being an artist - my art, not art for someone else. Although art has always been a big part of my life, I feel like I’m only now really getting started.
Having grown a bit tired of my old fave acrylics, I wanted to try some different mediums. I’d done some resin art, acrylic pours, and I tried watercolour, mixed media, pottery, and of course, pastel. I instantly fell in love with pastel. From my first workshop I knew I’d found my medium. And once I joined PANZ and met other pastel artists, I realized I had found my people. It felt like coming home.
I enjoy painting wondrous things, weird sea creatures, and subjects or places that make me smile. I love light and dark, fat and thin, details and softness. Perfect for pastel. I have so much to learn about pastel, and I love that too.
Upon graduation in Graphic Design, I went straight into the visual effects industry, which at that time, was in its infancy. I’ve had a three-decade career as a visual effects artist, making the impossible possible on such films as Fifth Element, Lord of the Rings, Avatar and more superhero movies than I care to remember. I’ve watched the technology evolve and VFX change from a bunch of rogue pirates to a thriving industry with structure and regulations. I’ve had the pleasure to see a rise of women in technical roles, from practically no women to almost 40% women.
This year, I’ve left the VFX industry (with much gratitude) and am going to focus on that old dream of being an artist - my art, not art for someone else. Although art has always been a big part of my life, I feel like I’m only now really getting started.
Having grown a bit tired of my old fave acrylics, I wanted to try some different mediums. I’d done some resin art, acrylic pours, and I tried watercolour, mixed media, pottery, and of course, pastel. I instantly fell in love with pastel. From my first workshop I knew I’d found my medium. And once I joined PANZ and met other pastel artists, I realized I had found my people. It felt like coming home.
I enjoy painting wondrous things, weird sea creatures, and subjects or places that make me smile. I love light and dark, fat and thin, details and softness. Perfect for pastel. I have so much to learn about pastel, and I love that too.
