Elizabeth Wittke, born in Fort Wayne, IN (1979), currently lives and works in Tucson, AZ. Growing up in the rural Indiana countryside, she spent an inordinate amount of time drawing. She attended the University of Saint Francis and American University in Washington, D.C.

Wittke is best known for her surrealistic figurative oil paintings and intimate still lifes. Her figurative paintings are of people she knows and the objects depicted have a personal value, and are often linked to her childhood experiences in the Midwest. Wittke creates primarily in oil, but also enjoys using acrylic and mixed media.

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Artist Statement

My artwork, characterized by large-scale figurative oil paintings and mixed media pieces, explores the vibrant tapestry of Midwestern culture through a feminist lens. I depict the uncomfortable position of women within this sparse landscape, intertwining religious symbols and cultural motifs to challenge traditional narratives. By merging an interplay of colors and textures with spiritual and cultural elements, I aim to highlight the often circumscribed role of women and their profound connection to both regional and spiritual identities. My work seeks to explore the connection of gender, faith, and cultural heritage in a contemporary context.