About the Artist

Lilian Cartwright began her life in New York City, came of age in Washington, DC, and has spent most of her adult life in Chicago. Her undergraduate study of Psychology and Sociology at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, awakened a sensitivity to how people and societies reflect and express themselves in their tradition of clothing and adornment. She has lived in Thailand and traveled to Spain, Cambodia, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Belize, Myanmar (Burma) and Russia.  Lilian has watched artisans from other countries design and form their art while she has also searched for hidden treasures among vendors in various Bazaars, Souks and Marketplaces. Her finds have resulted in an increased awareness of people's desires to show the history and culture of their country in jewelry as personal adornment.

Her love for fashion and style grew as she sashayed down the Ebony Fashion Fair runway while modeling. Her business sense developed from the several years spent in Motorola's corporate headquarters, and from more than a decade as an advertising sales executive for both television and print.

A lifetime of mentorship and influence was absorbed from having artists & teachers in two preceding generations, including a painter/sculptor mother who helped to nurture her creative talents. Lilian continues to watch her brightest jewel, her son Dorian and his family, develop into their own.

Her jewelry and other art items are described as sophisticated, contemporary and ethnic. Her work, including framed photography, handbags, and her personal greeting card line, has been featured locally in Chicago and in New York as well as in national newspapers and magazines. Lilian's Cre8shuns® can be found at Museums, Art Galleries and Boutiques around United States.

My Two Favorite Websites



My Mom, Lilian Burwell, uses canvas and carved wood to create sculptural paintings


My friend, Alice Berry, offers scarves, window art & clothing