Erin Lizardo: Chico's modern day Renaissance woman
Lizardo is a painter, musician and now a director diving deep into her artistic expression
By: Lindsay Wright
Issue date: 11/7/07 Section: Entertainment
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Exhibiting her art, releasing her first solo CD and performing with her new band, Petticoat, Lizardo laid all her cards on the table Friday night at the Crux Artist Collective.
Lizardo bought 30 bottles of wine and snacks to ensure the packed gallery would be entertained and excited for her first art show. Judging by the purple smiles and stagnant smell of Brie in the room, Lizardo succeeded.
Techno beats spun by the DJ supported the experimental art propped up against the white gallery walls. Pastel-painted tree branches and strings of yarn supported vibrant gold and teal fabrics resembling kimonos.
Lizardo said her theatrical works were items meant to be worn.
"It's just a way to shut yourself in and kind of cope with life," Lizardo said.
Her modern artistic expression might be perplexing to some.
"I think it's really theory-based work," Chico State student Willow Sharkey said. "In order to understand it you have to have a strong understanding of her concept. It's very much her and fits in with what she is."
Supporters spilled into the gallery as the night progressed, eager to see Lizardo perform. She has earned her title as one of Chico's most talented acoustic singers and fits the mold of the current wave of popular female musicians such as Regina Spektor and Feist.
Ty Gorton, the Crux's co-director, has worked with several artists to help showcase all of their mediums. Lizardo thought the collaboration of music and art could help with the development of local artists but said it was exhausting at the same time.
"It's a little much for me, a little intense," Lizardo said. "I'm really ready to lay low after this. I've been doing a lot to promote it and hype it up."
Lizardo's first video, "Water Next to Wine," also premiered. It was an appropriate combination of visual and vocal appeal, remaining true to her style.
Chico State students Sara Marquez and Cate Kaylor agreed the video supported her song well. It contained details yet remained simple, they said. Though they had never seen Lizardo perform, they were excited to be a part of the event.
"It's local art, you gotta support it," Kaylor said. "People give up on local art too easily."
Lizardo seemed to be everywhere at once throughout the night, managing to mingle with friends while setting up speakers, running her art video and ensuring everyone's glass was full. As she took the stage to perform, her smile never slipped.
Lizardo performed a handful of songs from the CD "You Should Always Do the Things You Say." All eyes were glued on her broken-down cowboy boots and coy smirk as she eased the audience into her routine.
As her set continued, her stack of CDs began to dwindle. The crowd couldn't get enough of Lizardo's haunting voice and begged for an encore. She obliged with a few extra tunes but was ready for Petticoat to take the stage.
It wouldn't seem fair for one person to be talented both as a solo acoustic artist and as a lead singer for a rock 'n' roll indie band, but Lizardo managed to encompass both personas.
Though most came out to support Lizardo's familiar acoustic sound, they were pleasantly surprised with her debut as a triple threat. Most importantly, the clusters of individuals were there for another chance to see what the art scene in Chico had to offer.
Lindsay Wright can be reached at lwright@theorion.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kathy Lizardo
posted 11/17/07 @ 1:51 AM PST
Erin has always been talented and driven, she is in a class by herself!
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