The Quiet Power of Graphite: South African Artist Lizl Bode on Her Creative Process
In this conversation, I speak with South African artist Lizl Bode, a self-taught creator from Cape Town known for her photorealistic monochrome works in graphite and technical ink. Lizl’s art is celebrated for its precision, emotional depth, and the way she elevates ordinary objects and portraits through careful observation.
We talk about her studio, the place where she feels most at home and where her creative process unfolds with patience and intention. A true perfectionist, Lizl shares how she wants viewers to sense the care that goes into every line and layer of her work.
She reflects on drawing inspiration from her own experiences, believing that authenticity can only come from what she personally knows and feels. Lizl also speaks about her deep connection to graphite as a medium, explaining how its slowness and therapeutic quality support the meditative nature of her process.
Beyond her artistic practice, Lizl discusses her role as Regional Chair for the G100 Arts Leadership & Films Wing in Cape Town, and she expresses her hopes for the future—especially her wish for her studio to become a welcoming space where people can explore, create, and find inspiration.
This interview offers a thoughtful and intimate glimpse into the world of an artist devoted to her craft, her community, and the quiet power of monochrome art.