Hello, my name is Elizabeth Dawn
Welcome to MEMOIRTISTRY
Memoirtistry is a personal development method, born from a diagnosis of CPTSD,
combining elements of memoir writing, poetry, painting and performance with curative techniques for healing and self-discovery.
In December 2020, I awoke to the word Memoirtistry in my mouth–memoir and artistry smashed together–and I was surprised when it generated zero Google results. The trademark process took three years.
The practice of Memoirtistry has allowed me to interact with flashbacks and rewrite the stories I tell myself to unlearn patterns and behaviors developed in childhood due to religious/spiritual trauma. Practice has become a way of life.
Time travel is a component of my work, with presence being the ultimate goal; when I achieve presence, I am able to heal from the pain of the past and freed from worry over the future. Guided by the internal compass, I discern my work intuitively,
using memoir, art, and symbolism as tools for self-discovery. Each creation is birthed from raw emotion, aiming for vulnerability. The symbols began appearing to me in January 2016, “before I knew” I was an artist,
and they have aided me in facing the trauma I have experienced. The symbols, in order of appearance, are The White Room, The Mirror, The Eye, The Body, The Pussy, The Demon, The Alien, The Ghosts and The Phoenix.
I am regarded for my work in guiding people to uncover the therapeutic potential of their life stories, enabling them to find clarity and empowerment in their journeys.
I utilize the methods developed within Memoirtistry to help individuals explore personal narratives, gain insights, and foster emotional well-being through creative storytelling.
ARTIST CV
Elizabeth Dawn (b.1981)
She is Artist in every role; a poet, art journalist, self-published author, certified editor, skilled ghostwriter, creative writing coach, and mental health advocate focused in peer support.
Bibliography
I Was a Good Wife: A Self-Portrait
Liz Gurley, Amazon // 12122020
The Third Dream (illustrated by T.H. Kainaros)
Elizabeth Dawn, YAWP Literary & Art ‘Zine, Issue 7 // 04192024
Sustainability and The Power of Public Art,
Travis Barkefelt, Planet Pittsburgh,
Duquesne University, PA // 092024
Wick Monet Offers Art “Commentary” in Latest Publication,
Foo Conner, The Reporter,
Pittsburgh, PA // 092024
The Commentary
Wick Monet, Issues One - Six // 2024/2025
I Left a Stranger: A Coming Out & Into Estrangement
Elizabeth Dawn, Amazon // 12302024 (second edition)
Meet Elizabeth Dawn
CanvasRebel Magazine // 06122025
Contracts
Senior Ghostwriter
StoryTerrace // 052024 - present
Forensic Peer Support Specialist
Resources for Human Development (RHD), Allies Program,
Pittsburgh, PA // 072025 - present
National Anthem Soloist
Integrity Fighter Management // 082023 - 102025
Exhibitions & Residencies
Featured Artist
Olyphant Art Supply, Olympia, WA // 082021
Featured Artist
Gallery BOOM!, Olympia, WA // 092021 - 102022
Featured Artist
Olympia Lamplighters Fundraising Gala, WA // 102021
Featured Artist
Harlequin Theater, Olympia, WA // 102022
Performing Artist in Residence
The Pitch on Butler, Pittsburgh, PA // 2024
Featured Artist
Trash and Treasure: Collection & Sentimentality // 042025
Internships & Mentorships
Publications Intern
Seattle International Film Festival, WA // 2019
Milan Art Institute Peer Mentor
Jessi Dahlquist, Contemporary Mixed Media // 092021 - 082022
Peer Business Coaching
Reclaiming Employment // 06302025-09262025
Podcasts
COMPLEX with Quincy Schmidt, Mental Health & Relationship Coach
Teaching
MasterClass with Memoirtistry: Process & Voice
FADlab, Atlanta, GA // 032023
Memoir & Artistry: Creative Storytelling
Sweetwater Center for the Arts,
Sewickley, PA // 052024 - 032025
Vocational Studies
Certified Editor
University of Washington, Seattle // 2018
Mastery Program Fine Arts
Milan Art Institute, Statham, GA // 2021
Art Commentary Program
Wick Monet, Pittsburgh, PA // 2024
Compulsive Behavior Study
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry // 2025
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Pennsylvania Certification Board // 05202025 - 05202027
Portrait for BIO/CV courtesy of Cornelius Martin, Wick Monet