In a world that often feels too heavy, some artists choose to build their own—one filled with cryptids, vibrant colors, and the kind of wonder we forget to look for as adults. Lorena Eliasen is one of those artists.
Born in Ecuador and living in the United States for 28 years, Eliasen’s journey from shy, book-obsessed child to published illustrator and papier-mâché sculptor is a testament to the healing power of creative practice. Her path hasn’t been linear—it’s been marked by early success with a Scholastic-published pop-up book, a difficult period of struggle after her daughter’s autism diagnosis, and an eventual rediscovery of art that quite literally saved her life.
In this interview, Eliasen opens up about trusting herself, surviving her darkest moments, and why making art for yourself—not for approval—is the only way to create work that truly matters.
Where Are You From?
I was born in Ecuador, but have been living in the US. For 28 years
Where do you long to live (reality or fantasy)?
I’m always day dreaming so fantasy for sure
What started you on your journey into art professionally?
I was a shy and insecure kid, I would spend a long time looking at illustrated books, specially a book in a Childrens encyclopedia that my parents brought for us called “Cuentos y Fabulas” I dreamed to be an children’s book illustrator without even knowing what that was. After High school I got an associates degree in Graphic Design, and after I married and moved to the US. Still very young I decided to get a bachelor’s degree in Illustration. I attended Parsons School of Design in NYC and loved every second of it.
My senior thesis was a pop up book the got published by Scholastics in 2004
Lorena Eliasen “Cryptozoology and the Unknown” solo exhibtion at Poetic Tiger Gallery.
How has your art changed and evolved over the years?
My art has definitely change a lot. I sure have had and still do struggle with overworking my pieces. I actually have a post note that says “stop before is done” on my wall to remind me about that. I think I’ve gotten better at realizing the level of finish I love. I do the art for me, if I love it, it is done. I just hope people love it as much as I do.
If your artwork could come to life and interact with you, what kind of conversation would you have with it?
I supposed it will tell me to be happy and enjoy the moment. I do struggle with depression and I actually make art to surround myself with happy colors. At the end of the day we make art to escape reality.
What is the one statement you could give to your younger self that you would give anything to go back and relay to them at a pivotal moment?
I would say “trust yourself, not every one you meet has your back and You are stronger than them”
In what ways do you think your personal experiences and emotions shape the way you connect with your work?
My experiences have most definitely pushed me into living a fantasy world.
I prefer to dream of an imaginary animal or a cryptic than in the real world.
After I graduated and got a children book published I thought I had made it and I struggled after having a child with autism. I couldn’t write children’s books, I felt cheated in life. It was a very low point in my life. Only after I quit my graphic job (which I held for about 10 years) I started practicing my art again. Art saves me every day. I makes me see the beauty in life.
What is the most unexpected thing to occur with your work through the years that shifted your perspective in a way you never anticipated?
When I started working on paper mache, I feel that it re connected me to my culture. It made my art more authentic to my self.
Have you ever imagined your art as a time capsule—what do you think future generations would think of it?
They might think I was nuts. 😀
What advice would you give an artist starting out (young, middle-aged, old – any age) who wants to do it professionally?
Practice and Trust yourself. A teacher once told me if you feel the painting is finish only then it is finish. You can feel it , and I really follow this feeling when I work.
