"My artwork’s impetus are the novels of Jane Austen. I re-interpret the character’s representations by the illustrators Brock from the first-color editions. While their drawings captured the physical scenes I feel that Jane Austen cannot be represented so linearly. I re-imagine their drawings infusing book illustrations typical of the turn of the last century with added layers of meaning and emotion that the novels have given me. I take the drawings as a starting point, I  re-position and re-interpret their works.  I try to add that bit more to my pieces that Jane gave me when she let me into her world. But I do not make art just for the Janeites, I make these pieces because she has sparked my sensibilities to create. Jane Austen has held me spellbound with her ability to carry me away by strong and overwhelming emotion. I create images, like her writing, that, while set in a specific time, also have a timelessness to them. While some may think my piece rooted in the past due to the Regency Period, I ask them to look at it, and see what I see."

Elizabeth Lefebvre lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin.  She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Art and a second in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  She is a true Anglophile who takes her inspiration from the works of Jane Austen.  The dearth of work showcasing the characters of Jane Austen’s world led her to create these pieces for her own library.  The idea that other libraries might also benefit from the appearance of these characters on their walls has led to the creation of this print series.  When she is not doing her own work she is a freelance graphic artist and the creative director of Stanton & Lee Publishers, as well as her cat’s favorite pet.

Elizabeth can also be found on these websites:

UW Madison Art Department Alumni Directory ( Profile from the University which finally awarded her a degree)

Liam Wear (Clothing company Elizabeth started with her friends featuring the character of Liam)