Photography by Ellie Smith. As Valentine's Day is about to hit us like a tonne of (heart shaped) bricks, we've teamed up with UK artist and self-confessed romantic Elizabeth Ilsley who shares her honest views on love through the form of prints and paints. East London photographer Ellie Smith shot Elizabeth in this seasons most loved up designs whilst we chatted to her about her latest work, tips on romance and hanging with your nan! Tell us a bit about yourself...
I'm a print artist who also paints on leather jackets. I model sometimes and I take a lot of photographs.
What inspires your work?
My work comes from confessional thoughts and conversations I've had with people close to me, so it's all very liberating with honest meanings. My designs are feminine and provocative because they are central to me.
Will you be celebrating Valentine's on Sunday?Â
Yes I will be celebrating Valentine's Day with my best friend: she's taking me to Nandos for a butterfly chicken.
What's the best chat up line someone's used on you?Â
I can never remember chat up lines that people have used on me, but there was one guy who rated me a 7/10 in front of me and my friends; that was really funny.
We hate to get cynical but is romance dead?
I'm not sure, I hope romance isn't dead. I'm a very romantic person in every sense of the word.
What advice would you give to someone looking to find love or get lucky this Valentine's?
You don't need to/have to/should look for love, it'll come naturally. If you're single this Valentine's Day and bummed out about it then go get dinner with someone who would appreciate it! Like your nan or something!
What's 2016 got in store for you?
I have some 'girls, girls, girls' pins coming out (feat. in this shoot) with Black and Gold Pins. I also have a small photography book coming out, as well as a capsule collection of leathers. Lots of cool stuff!
See more of Elizabeth's work at www.elizabethilsley.com and follow her feed at @elizabethilsley. For more photography from Ellie visit @elliesmithphoto.
