I
was born in Shanghai of Russian/Portugese heritage. I emigrated
to Vancouver in 1950 and became a Canadian citizen.
I am married, with two daughters. I have travelled
extensively, and have resided in Fiji, Barbados, and Wales
for extended periods. It was during several visits to Haiti
that I became fascinated by voodoo art and Haitian magical
practices. This interest was reinforced by exposure
to Santeria, the fusion religion and artwork of Cuba.
After graduating from the University of British Columbia
with a Bachelor’s of Education in Fine Arts, I took
etching and painting courses at the Emily Carr College of
Art and Design. Later, at McGill University in Montreal,
I was an Assistant Curator of Education at the Redpath Museum
for 3 years. When I returned to Vancouver, I worked
at Simon Fraser University as a graphic designer and illustrator
for 35 years until retirement. As part of this job I trained
as a cine-animator with a former artist at Disney Studios.
Throughout my artistic career I have curated many shows
and have had many shows of my own work.
Through most of my life I have been keenly interested in
Middle East culture, history, art, music, and dance.
I have trained as a Middle Eastern dancer in Egypt, United
States, and locally, and have performed professionally in
that capacity for over 30 years. I am a founding member
of the Middle Eastern Dance Association. I continue
to teach dance, give lectures on Middle Eastern costume,
and on dance culture and customs, and am Director and Choreographer
for the dance troupe Twilight Caravan. In conjunction
with the Pacific West Dance Theatre I award each year the
Elizabeth Carefoot Bursary for the Most Promising Dance
Student in the greater Vancouver area.
I currently live in Crescent Beach, Surrey where I am involved
with the art community, most especially a local women’s
group, Coldflash, which I helped to found. For several
years I have been a member of the Public Art Advisory Committee
for the City of Surrey.
All
my work is for sale. Please contact me at elizabeth@elizabethcarefoot.com
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