Elizabeth Gorcey: Multidisciplinary Artist and Actress

Elizabeth Gorcey is a versatile multidisciplinary artist, well-known for her impactful work as an actress, director, writer, and contemporary oil painter. Gorcey gained recognition for her memorable performances in iconic films such as *Footloose* and *Teen Wolf*. She has also directed significant documentaries, including *How Old is Old* and *Just Another Man’s Story*, and authored the award-winning children’s book series *Liv On Life*, in collaboration with her daughter.

Through her paintings, Elizabeth explores the complexities of the human condition, aiming to spark conversations about aging and the often invisible experiences of marginalized communities. Her poignant documentary *Adopting Ginny*, which tells the story of a 62-year- old woman with disabilities adopted by her family, gained notable attention when featured on CNN and adapted into a play by the head of the Yale School of Drama.

Elizabeth’s children’s book series, *Liv On Life*, celebrated as a best holiday gift for kids by *People Magazine*, seeks to nurture confidence and kindness in children by encouraging families to embrace authenticity. Passionately involved in philanthropy, she founded the nonprofit art program Caring Strokes for HIV+ Children, becoming a community liaison for LAC+USC Medical Center, supporting disadvantaged and HIV+ children and teens. She has received grants from organizations such as Cultural Art Affairs and Mattel Toys to provide essential resources for these children and promote their artistic expressions through exhibitions and greeting cards.

Elizabeth’s journey as a painter began in childhood, often drawing and painting beneath her mother’s desk. Her talent was recognized early on when she won an award for her watercolor, *Chinese Tea Pot*, displayed in the New Jersey State Museum at just ten years old. Her work has since been exhibited in esteemed venues such as the Oceanside Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Yerevan Modern Art Museum. Notably, one of her pieces was chosen for the cover of the New York Presbyterian Magazine.

Residing in Los Angeles, Elizabeth Gorcey remains committed to her artistic endeavors, believing that creating is nourishment for the soul and urging others to express their unique voices.

Elizabeth Gorcey

Artist Statement

I am fascinated with the ‘human condition’ that we are all a part of; more specifically with how each of us experiences and sees ourselves, each other and the world on our collective journey. As a child I was very sensitive and empathic. I would feel things very deeply and, at times, imagine I knew how those around me felt. My sensitive and creative mind literally felt the weight of humanity– My mind would ‘see’ all these highs, lows, anxieties, and triumphs overlapping and bleeding into my own personal experiences. At that age I didn’t know how to process what I was feeling, but as an adult I work through what I see on my canvas. I paint because I must.

When I look around and see what’s happening in the world today it makes my heart break for humanity and it propels me to paint. I feel the pain, sorrow and discontent of so many souls. I hope that people who view my paintings recognize a piece of their own humanity and know they are being seen. 

Projects

Awards & Recognition Director

Worldfest Houston

Platinum Best Dramatic Short
Breast Pump and Blender
WINNER

HBO’s New York Latino international film festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

Rhode Island international film festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

Film Brothers film Festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

“Best of fest” encore screenings, Rhode Island festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

Visionfest ‘08: the other festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

Los Angeles Latino international film festival

Breast Pump and Blender
OFFICIAL SELECTION

Awards & Recognition
Books

Global Green USA

Global Green Champion

Gutsy Girl Award

by Gutsy Gals Inspire Me

Royal Dragonfly Book Awards

Newbie Award
FIRST PLACE WIN

Beverly Hills Book Awards

FINALIST

The Gittle List

Children’s Picture Book
TOP 10 INDIE

Story Monster Approved

Books Worth Devouring!

Awards & Recognition
Art

New Jersey State Museum Youth Award

1st Place
1997

1st Sfumato Art Competition

1st Prize
2023

directors choice Gallery Omato

2023

Curators Choice Gallery Omato

2023

John Moran Auctioneer list

2023

Honorable mention & Merit award Teravana Gallery

2023

Distinction award Gallery 4%

2023

Honorable Mention Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art

2024

Contact

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