Biography

Liz Oliver (b. 1983, Charlotte, NC) is a California based textile artist and sculptor. She earned her degree in Art from Appalachian State University; soon after pursued her interest in Costume Design, where she discovered dyeing and painting for the theater. In 2010, she relocated to LA to build a career as a costume textile artist for film and television. With over 15 years of experience, Oliver is a trusted collaborator of several nationally renowned designers.

Oliver's work explores themes of light and shadow, strength, experimentation, fantasy, spirituality, automatism, and transcendence. Her practice offers a way-both for herself and for others—to find joy in the midst of loss, and light within darkness. Often described as having a heartbeat, her sculptures are conceived as ethereal beings rather than static objects.

Rooted in a lineage of Appalachian makers, Oliver holds a deep appreciation for labor, material, fortitude, and handiwork. Much of her process centers on the ancient Japanese resist-dyeing technique of Shibori. Through repetition and compression, she creates inherently curled and pleated textiles that are shaped into compelling forms. Embracing imperfection, uncertainty, and the relinquishing of control, Oliver works in tandem with her materials.

Liz is drawn to Shibori's mimicry of universal patterns found in nature, reflecting the interconnectedness we all share. Drawing on her knowledge of traditional dyeing, she re-imagines these techniques into a dimensional practice encompassing lighting, wall works, and sculpture. Her focus is not on creating recognizable patterns, but on embodying intention and abstraction.

Oliver is currently working in white canvas, concentrating on form. As her practice evolves, she will reintroduce color and varied textiles, informed by her extensive material knowledge.