Fine artist LISA KINZELBERG knew she had artistic talent in high school—when her art teacher told her parents, “She has what it takes to make it as an artist.” Even though she won a state competition for her drawing portfolio at the time, she says, “I wasn’t ready to be an artist.” Yet. She knew she needed to lay a foundation, so she went on to study at College of Wooster in Ohio and at Oxford University, earning a “well-rounded” liberal arts education in Philosophy with an emphasis on Art History. She was passionate about exploring her own philosophy that “art can show us our world.” Still, it wasn’t until her dear friend, Jessica of Jessica Margot Design told her, “Your talent is being wasted!” that Kinzelberg took the leap in 2018. She created a large-scale abstract painting for Margot’s client. “And I haven’t stopped since,” she says, “with commissions or gallery exhibitions.” Counting Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst as her artistic role models, Kinzelberg produces drawings and paintings that include large-scale abstracts, portraits, and figurative works. She intentionally interrupts lines, sculpts and composes the surface of her compositions to produce a highly evocative composition, color field, texture, and energy. Kinzelberg takes an optimistic, forward thinking, serious approach to her art, with her creative flair naturally dovetailing to her fashion sensibility. “My style has grown to be more edgy and modern—I like to look chic but never boring or exactly what’s expected.” Just like her art.

Lisa Kinzelberg’s work is available at Virgil Catherine Gallery in Hinsdale. For more information, visit lisakinzelbergart.com.