In Focus | Liz Demer

Meet Liz! She's a local artist whose work is currenlty being featured in the Bean Scene on Gordon!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I've lived in Kelowna for the last 12 years, before that I lived in Seattle, Portland, and Boise.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
It's a bit of a tie between my husband and my dog, but since my dog can't read I'm going to go with the husband. Love you Ivan!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I just discovered Karmyc Bazaar and I love both their eclectic mix of beautiful handmade objects, as well as their support of local artists and artisans.

Describe yourself in one word.
Loud-ish.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Peru and Machu Picchu have been on my bucket list for a while, but probably Boise so I could squeeze in more time with my Granny while she's still around.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Mindlessly riding cruiser bikes around in the summertime with good friends.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I once ended a job interview with the world's most awkward handshake (think scissoring fingers together accidentally). Instead of adjusting my hand I panicked just kept the shake going, definitely making both of us very uncomfortable. It must have worked on some level though because I ended up getting the job.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The day that I became a Canadian citizen, surrounded by all the other people who had gone through so much to move here and contribute to this incredible community and country.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Running around the neighbourhood with my brother as free-range children, climbing in the hills and generally causing trouble.



Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
For the last several years I've volunteered at the Emergency Operations Center in a finance capacity during flood and fire emergencies. It can be a bit of a time commitment, but it's such a tangible way to benefit the community when it needs it the most.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I work downtown and see the negative effects of addiction everywhere. If I could change one thing it would be to have unlimited mental health and addiction services in every community.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I'm becoming more and more of a homebody, so probably my studio where I can create.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd love to see more weird art in weird places, whether that be murals in alleys, accessible galleries, or creative spaces. I think art benefits the community in so many unexpected ways.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I love the bike paths, beaches, proximity to skiing and the lake, but also the restaurants and cultural activities. Kelowna's great, but lets be honest, its all the people here that make it that way.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Moreso where than what: Machu Picchu in Peru, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Petra in Jordan.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm an art school dropout and former river guide who eventually became a CPA.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website: Liz Demer Art
Instagram: @liz.demer.art

What is the name of your business/organization?
Liz Demer Art



Why did you get into/start this business?
I've been artsy pretty much my whole life, but once I finished my accounting designation I needed to swing the pendulum back in the other direction so I dove back into painting and illustration a little over a year ago. At this point I need it to stay sane.

What is the goal of your business?
I really just want to become the best artist I can, whatever that ends up looking like. I'd love to make money at this some day, but in the meantime I'm happy just to cover my supplies so I don't go completely broke following my folly.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Staying focused. I have a rich inner life and sometimes get a little too lost in my head and forget to focus on what's going on right in front of me.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Given the chance I would probably still choose the meandering path I took to get where I am today (or maybe take the time to meander a little more). Had I taken a more predictable route I think I would have become a very boring person.

What do you always find yourself saying?
I'm a big fan of "yo" as a greeting. It's abrupt, unexpected, and catches people off-guard at work.



Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always try to find motivations in the positive rather than the negative. That and don't bother worrying about the things you have no control over.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My Granny.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
There are so many amazing local artists and artisans (and farmers! and winemakers! and cheesemakers!) in the area. For almost the same price as buying something mass-produced you can support the local community, get something completely unique, and meet your neighbours. It's really a win-win-win.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a Canadian citizen. It was the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done.



Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
There's a local embroidery artist I follow on Instagram that does the most breathtaking pet portraits, landscapes, and funky little images with thread. Shout out to Quinn Bray/@threadforfilth who pretty much everyone should be checking out. I don't think this medium gets nearly the attention it deserves.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Quinn Bray

Some general comments I would like to share are:
It was pretty terrifying to put myself out there into the local arts scene about a year ago, but I've been so impressed with how supportive and encouraging this community has been. If I can I would like to thank everyone I met at Lake Country Art Walk last year for giving me such a warm welcome, to the Bean Scene Coffee house for letting me show my work, and everyone else who's been so incredible and kind along the way.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!