Meet Liz. Liz was born and raised here in the Okanagan! She enjoys relaxing at the beach in the summer, carving up the slopes on the ski hill in the winter, and spending some quality time with her husband and daughters.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Penticton and I have lived in Kelowna my whole life!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my husband and daughters. They mean everything to me!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite local store is Opus Framing and Art Supplies (for obvious reasons), but other than Opus, I really enjoy going to Frock & Fellow to shop for some clothing treasures! They have such a fun collection of unique consignment clothing.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resilient
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would go to Ireland and Scotland. It's always been a travel dream for me!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Beach days in the summer, skiing in winter!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I used to take the bus to and from university, and I once took an entire trip with three bus transfers home, and realized when I got back home that I had red oil paint all over my face!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When my husband and I got married, we moved to Oaxaca, Mexico for half a year, and we lived in a little mountain town called Santos Reyes Nopala. We taught art, music, and English, learned Spanish (because no one there spoke English!), cooked on a comal, washed our clothes in a river, and lived with the most welcoming community ever. It taught us both a lot about ourselves, about community, gratitude, and openness.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have really fond memories of camping all across Canada. Four kids, a tent trailer, road-trip sing-alongs, lots of badminton and those little cereal boxes where everyone would fight over the fruit loops.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I've used my art (design, painting, and illustration) to give back to the community through wonderful causes and events for organizations like Shoebank Canada, Kelowna Art Gallery, Inn From the Cold, Metro Community, Restor International, and Hope In Her Eyes.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would make everyone more environmentally aware.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
My studio- New Arts Collective.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see zero plastic bags in stores, no single-use items in shops (plastic cutlery, paper cups, etc.), and a place to bring items to fix them or restore them instead of putting them in the garbage. I'd love to see people shopping locally more, and supporting local arts & culture.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The change of the seasons.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I don't have a bucket list. I just want to give my girls the best life they can have!
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I play the saxophone.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Website: http://www.lizranney.com/ Instagram: @lizranneyart Email: lizranney.art@gmail.com, or Facebook: Liz Ranney Art & Design
What is the name of your business/organization?
Liz Ranney Art
Why did you get into/start this business?
Because I love creating artwork, and I love the diversity of projects that I work on. I could be working on multiple projects in multiple mediums- both for personal work and commission work. I also love the flexibility of creating my own hours.
What is the goal of your business?
I create design work, illustration, and paintings. I have my own goals of progressing as an artist, both in portfolio range and technique. My goal for my commissioned work is to provide quality artwork that fulfills my client's vision, true to my style.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Stability in an artistic career.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'd do it the exact same way.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Is there more coffee?"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Don't put off your dreams. Start right now."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Maggie Smith.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Supporting the people that live here is so important. Keeping the love going locally benefits everyone!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My family!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My husband Dylan Ranney. He is so incredible and wears so many hats: Father, husband, New Arts Collective Co-Director (with me!), Painter, Sculptor, Preparator at the KAG, Percussionist in 3+ bands, gardener, and a giver. He is such an amazing man!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dave Upshaw
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
