bio:
liz clausen is the founder of pick your seat. she attended sonoma state university on a basketball scholarship. pick your seat was a “for fun” practice that began in the garage of her college rental house, at the urging of her roommates and friends. she could see things in the furniture she painted that wasn’t so obvious to those around her. her hobby quickly exploded into a full-fledged business practice as her talent was refined and her reputation grew.
after graduating from SSU with a degree in sociology, liz moved back to marin county to work in her family’s custom cabinet business, but in her spare time, she continued to create masterpieces out of other people’s castoffs. pick your seat was first launched in 2003 and the demand for her products continue to skyrocket.
she graduated from the academy of art university in may of 2006 with a BFA in interior architecture and design. she added pick your seat Interiors to her repertoire in August 2006, a practice that keeps her beyond busy. if you ask her today, she’ll say she’s a furniture designer. if you ask her tomorrow, she’ll say that she’s an interior architect. no matter the day, she is an artist with talents and ability more infinite than her designs.
like the name implies, liz clausen doesn’t stay in one place. instead she is constantly picking which role suits her for the day: interior renovator, furniture artist, woodworking expert and designer are some of the hats she wears. one day finds her on a remodel job site, overseeing the complete multi-million dollar renovation of a residence in marin county. the next painting a kids’ chair for a local fundraiser.
currently, interior renovation and design is the focus of much of clausen’s time and as an up and coming talent in marin, it’s easy to see why she is so highly sought after. her calling card consists of clean, modern lines coupled with unexpected accessories and fabulous color. she is easy to talk to and can transform any vision into a working masterpiece. much of the woodwork is done by liz herself out of her father’s novato cabinet shop. each piece has the personal touch of an artist’s hand, coupled with a professional’s expertise. the result is exquisite carpentry, one of a kind functional art.
already in her young career, clausen has been featured in numerous bay area art expos as well
as on HGTV’s nationally syndicated show, “small space big style.”
the realization of this dream might have followed an unconventional path, but it is that indirect journey that adds the flavor to her work. this artist’s talent is truly in the details. her pieces are funny and serious, whimsical and true, present-day and dream-like. her talent is the culmination of life at its best. on behalf of elizabeth clausen, i invite to you to experience pick your seat.
recent publications:
