FLOR 371, Pinepink, Bletia purpurea, FLOR500, Florida, Wildflower, Art, Nature, History, Eco-art, FIU, VIVA Florida, Garden, Artists, Engaged Creativity, Environment, participatory art, Elizabeth Smith
FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013.
Elizabeth Smith,"FLOR 371: Pinepink (Bletia purpurea)”,transparent watercolor on paper, 6.5" x 4.5", 2013. (CC)
About the Artist
Elizabeth has drawn and painted nature for as long as she can remember. Although self-taught in the arts, she earned a BA in art at FGCU. Elizabeth keeps a nature art journal, recording the natural world of southwest Florida in painted and sketched images and words, which she shares online.
Artist's Statement
I love the tiny visual details I see in nature, as well as the underlying sense of vast connected systems. A sketcher at heart, I’m attracted to the quickly drawn line or swipe of watercolor. I hope my artwork gives viewers a sense of my own wonder and discovery.
Five hundred Florida artists are sought to create art for FLOR500, a participatory art, nature, and history project that marks the importance of the moment when the history of Florida changed forever and gives a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago. Developed by Xavier Cortada, director and artist-in-residence of FIU’s College of Architecture + The Arts’ Office of Engaged Creativity, the project commemorates Florida’s quincentenary in 2013. For more information click here.
Xavier Cortada Artist-in-Residence Florida International University College of Architecture + The Arts 420 Lincoln Road, Suite 430 Miami Beach, FL 33139
Xavier Cortada's participatory art practice is based at Florida International University.