About Ara
Ara Elizabeth's art, like her life, explores the line between nature and fantasy, between the secret lives of animals and the poetry of flowers, between the imagination of children and the promise of independence.
Ara lives her life seeking light and inspiration. To know her is to know her warmth, empathetic understanding, and, if you’re open, her magic. If you get the chance, let it wash over you, find its way into your spirit, and promise to pass it on.
Ara has three incredible children—Wren, Kaj, and Freyja—who are her collective North Star.
Ara was born in 1980 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She grew up with her parents and younger sister, Tresse. Ara remembers a childhood filled with freedom and creativity. Ara's mom is a designer, sewer, calligrapher, entrepreneur and creative in everything she touches. Her father a writer and avid reader, infusing Ara's life with the love of words, authors, and long Saturdays curled up in bookstores (bonus if there is a resident cat).
Ara grew up in a house her parents built, her yard next to acres of park land and undeveloped prairies and woods. Time in and connected to nature was, and continues to be, critical and instrumental in everything she does. Climbing trees, whispering to flowers, and talking to animals will forever hold the most magic.
What is your inspiration for making art?
I am inspired by so many things. Emotions play a big part in my creating. It doesn't matter if I am feeling really happy, angry, or sad - art is a way for me to transmute my feelings and transform them into creativity. I am consistently inspired by nature - there is such a beautiful combination of order combined with organic chaos. I love animals and I am always inspired by animals. Music, travel, people...A lot of my inspiration I say is divinely orchestrated - I open myself to the creative muses and try to get out of my own way to see what magic comes through.
What is your favorite animal?
One of the hardest questions to answer! My default response is a fox. I love their tails and ears and perceived personalities. Bats are very special to me. They remind me of little winged kittens. I live on the Mississippi River and have become obsessed with all the wildlife, but especially the beaver family. So beavers are my number 3.
