“Creating handmade cards for loved ones sparked a lifelong passion for creating art.”
Sistah Art Gallery
At Sistah Art Gallery, we proudly showcase Elisa's inspiring journey that ignited her passion for artistry. Her creative venture commenced in the vibrant era of the 1970s, as she delicately crafted unique cards brimming with joy and love. With each stroke of the brush and cuttings to create solo figures, each female, Elisa poured her heart into these creations, infusing them with profound sentiments for her beloved daughter, family, and friends. Through these intricate cards, her boundless love and creativity shine brightly, encapsulating the essence of familial bonds and cherished friendships.
Waiting, 1994
Collage, Watercolor, on Paper, 32 x 44
I started making cards for my daughter Ayanna for her birthdays and other occasions. They were mostly a cut-out “window” on the front and a variety of different shapes and images on the inside that could be seen from the window. I don’t remember everything about them. That was in the early 70s.
Waiting, framed by a friend showcases cards received from Elisa over the years. This collection represents the many figures Elise McKay has created for loved ones through sentimental, hand crafted cards. Elisa’s ability to infuse her artwork with such depth and emotion showcases her talent for connecting with others through her artistic and creative talents.
The jewelry that I created has its origin in a piece of my artwork, “Equinox.” The middle image is a woman in an African dance position, that I was familiar with in my years of African dancing in New York and mostly on St.Croix.
I was encouraged by the Virgin Islands on the Arts (VICA) executive director John Jowers in 2006 to apply for a grant to create a piece of jewelry from an image in my artwork. I was awarded the grant and Nathan Bishop at Crucian Gold jewelers created a sterling silver pin/pendant with a gold headwrap and gold embellishments on the dress.
I call her Sistah.