Her first experience in the arts was competitively playing piano. She would spend her summers in Solvang, CA with her grandmother (a professional tailor), who encouraged to explore her creative side. She credits her grandmother teaching her how to sew as her initial exposure to handmade crafts.
Liesel began her career as a professional designer, cutting her teeth at the iconic Kelly Wearstler design firm (working in four different departments). When asked about the huge range of work that she does, she says, “there was definitely no plan. Even in college I felt all over the place. I’ve always just been interested in a lot of different things and different media and not wanting to get pigeonholed or stuck doing one thing.”When deciding to go freelance and open her own practice, Liesel thinks back on the advice of an old boss to “always follow your truth and let that guide your decisions.”
Though casual about her range, much of her practice has been more intentional than one might believe. “I’m really interested in how art can interact with people, and how people can interact with art and design in daily life.” While many fine artists might turn their noses up at the idea of their work being on a rug or a plate or a cement wall, it’s that daily interaction that sparks curiosity in Liesel. “A lot of my favorite artists weren’t afraid of being open to applied arts like that. I think it’s really limiting if you say you’re some kind of purist painter or whatever. I think it’s kind of boring too.”
