Nancy Liston - Liston Studios
Hailey, Idaho
Nancy Liston is a surface designer — she can and will paint most anything. Since emerging into the art world in 1980, Nancy has transitioned from designing textiles for clients such as Neiman Marcus, Woolrich and May Company to finishing ceramic shapes with color and design. She did everything from shearing the sheep and dying the wool to spinning, weaving and decorating the material. Talk about a renaissance woman!
Her endeavors in the ceramic industry have produced a business that not only allows her to make a living, but gives her the pleasure of doing what she loves in a beautiful setting. Originally from Las Vegas, Nancy married a rancher and settled in Idaho after having gone out to see the world. A self-taught artist with no formal training, Nancy has developed a product that is sold through specialty retailers, art shows and other such avenues.
Nancy has a unique style and proficiency for creating things that other artists, particularly those in her area, will not attempt to create. Many artists adhere to the standard of making something they love and then try to sell it. While Nancy is an artist, she wants to make what people want to buy. Her “bread and butter” products are the artistic and whimsical paintings she creates on ceramics whose designs are inspired by the world around her and reflect the natural beauty and unique character of the region in which she lives and works. She tells herself a story for each piece that she creates — even the most whimsical pieces connect Nancy to her art.
In addition, she creates and sells masterpieces and custom designs that display her extraordinary artistic abilities for her own pleasure and self-expression. This facet of Nancy’s business affords her the distinction of being sought out for commission work for many prominent collectors and customers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also provides an opportunity to share her time and talent with various organizations by painting unique items such as cellos for use in fundraising efforts.
Hailey, Idaho
Nancy Liston is a surface designer — she can and will paint most anything. Since emerging into the art world in 1980, Nancy has transitioned from designing textiles for clients such as Neiman Marcus, Woolrich and May Company to finishing ceramic shapes with color and design. She did everything from shearing the sheep and dying the wool to spinning, weaving and decorating the material. Talk about a renaissance woman!
Her endeavors in the ceramic industry have produced a business that not only allows her to make a living, but gives her the pleasure of doing what she loves in a beautiful setting. Originally from Las Vegas, Nancy married a rancher and settled in Idaho after having gone out to see the world. A self-taught artist with no formal training, Nancy has developed a product that is sold through specialty retailers, art shows and other such avenues.
Nancy has a unique style and proficiency for creating things that other artists, particularly those in her area, will not attempt to create. Many artists adhere to the standard of making something they love and then try to sell it. While Nancy is an artist, she wants to make what people want to buy. Her “bread and butter” products are the artistic and whimsical paintings she creates on ceramics whose designs are inspired by the world around her and reflect the natural beauty and unique character of the region in which she lives and works. She tells herself a story for each piece that she creates — even the most whimsical pieces connect Nancy to her art.
In addition, she creates and sells masterpieces and custom designs that display her extraordinary artistic abilities for her own pleasure and self-expression. This facet of Nancy’s business affords her the distinction of being sought out for commission work for many prominent collectors and customers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also provides an opportunity to share her time and talent with various organizations by painting unique items such as cellos for use in fundraising efforts.
Nancy embodies the key elements required to operate and flourish as a successful artist – business and creativity. She understands the business savvy and marketing skills required to promote her work and she can design and create what people want to buy. She actively promotes herself which is an anomaly in the art world, but is essential in business.A Bisque Imports customer since 2001, Nancy has found her ideal place for supplies. “Bisque Imports is my ‘go to’ company for all my ceramic finishing needs! No other company compares to this group with product availability, great prices and a customer service team who will make anything work. Anything. I especially like the fact DJ will make special designs just for my studio!!”
Some of her best selling shapes include Bisque Imports’ Extra Large Rim Oval (#320), Rim Rectangle Platter (#279), Rim Square Collection (#270 – #277) and the 3-Section Dish (#519) which BI created just for her. She also enjoys the Speranza Esimo Pitcher (#971) and Sorriso Platter (#967).
Nancy’s forte is color. In addition to using Duncan Pure Brilliance clear glaze, Nancy mixes Duncan Concepts colors to create her own palette which are not seen in traditional pottery. She is often told that the colors she uses are happy and that they make her customers happy. Whimsical designs and happy colors make for a truly successful product!
When asked what marketing tips or other advice she would share with fellow business owners, Nancy said she believes that direct marketing/sales are the lifeline to success. Good presentation skills are vital. She suggests that if this is not your strong suit, it is wise to hire someone who can be your advocate. Nancy offers a great option for retailers that carry her unique product line – a guaranteed sale. If her products don’t sell in 90 days, she will take it back. She offers, “The key to selling your product is having your customers commit to the product.” If they are behind it, they will sell it.To learn more about Nancy’s artwork, please visit her website, www.listonstudios.com. You’re sure to see a whimsical feast for the eyes!
