DD ARTIST PROFILE SERIES – Ingrid K Ilg uses Lake Superior Rocks as her canvas, then returns the finished rock art for someone to find.
Artist Ingrid K. Ilg finds her free art “canvases” in unusual places along the beaches of the North Shore of Lake Superior where she discovers rocks for her art supplies. After her rock paintings are complete, she usually puts them back for others to find as a whimsical surprise, as they walk along the shoreline of places like French River, Stoney Point, and Lester River.
“Most, if not all, of these rocks, are illustrated by the shape of the rock and then placed up and down the scenic route to spread joy. I use mainly basalt, as it is very smooth and easy to paint on, while also being an incredibly gorgeous stone smoothed by the Lake Superior waves. I also love doing little photo shoots with my rocks throughout the area,” she said.
Ilg works at Larsmont Cottages on the North Shore; as she drives along the lake to go back and forth to work, she stops along the way to pick up more rocks. “The Scenic Route is my favorite place. I remember my family bringing me up to go on vacation. I have always loved it,” she related.
“Rocks are some of the oldest pieces of history within our land, and I simply adore honoring the rocks I find. I’ve put hundreds of rocks out along the North Shore and each has disappeared.” She always puts her Instagram address on the back of the rocks so that people can let her know they found one of them and leave her a comment.
Ilg has received many comments back on her Instagram such as:
“Finding this rock made my day!”
“We found one of your rocks on the beach. My six-year-old was sooo excited!”
“I found your rock at the French River . . .Please don’t stop doing this!”
A colorful representation of Lake Superior stands out on the beach. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Ilg enjoys painting humorous animal subjects such as adorable penguins, Nemo-looking goldfish, and more.
This whimsical penguin greets a lucky rock collector. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Her food inspired paintings have included strawberries, pizza, cheeseburgers, and ice cream cones.
These fun cheeseburger rocks are on display at Burger Paradox. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Realistic images of local landmarks such as the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower are ideal souvenirs for tourists to find.
A colorful backdrop for the Lift Bridge makes this rock stand out. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Some of her most beautiful pieces are mandala-patterned rocks with intricate designs to show off her artistic sensibilities. A mandala is an intricate geometric and symmetrical design or pattern.
Beautiful mandala rocks in bright colors are a favorite style of Ingrid’s. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Doing logos and designs of area businesses has also been a fun topic for Ilg. She donates those to the businesses as well, such as Yellow Bike, Cedar Coffee and Naturalight Candles.
Ingrid’s recreation of the Destination Duluth logo. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Ilg invites others to try rock painting by finding rocks themselves. “To inspire people, it's all in the stone. It's how it feels, the shape that inspires me. I say, go walk the beaches of Lake Superior, and look at all the amazing rocks residing on the shore. Pick them up, feel them, and think about the shape of the rock and what it could be.”
“A perfect triangle rock could be an amazing slice of pizza. Or a perfect circle rock would be an amazing mandala with amazing natural symmetry. It's all about highlighting the stones that are so beautiful that the Lake gives us.”
A circular rock was perfect for this mandala design pattern. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
She teaches art classes to others who would like to try rock painting. Ilg enjoys working with people on mandala designs as well as realistic subjects. She also recommends people try making their own rock gardens with pieces that they paint.
“I taught rock painting classes at Duluth MakerSpace last summer and am hoping to do more in the future,” she added. “Currently, I do open rock painting at Hoops Brewery in Canal Park.”
She has also sold her rocks at the Saint Paul Art Crawl, Hoops Makers Market, and The Gitchee Gumee Agate Fest at Ursa Minor. “I will be at the Saint Paul Art Crawl in October 2024 (usually the second weekend in October) and I will be at the Hoops Makers Market in December 2024,” she explained.
Ingrid with some of her rock paintings at the St Paul Art Crawl. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
“The best way for people to buy my rocks is to e-mail me at ikatia.12@gmail.com or message me through Instagram. I love commissions. I love specific projects or designs people would like on stones. If people see a design on my Instagram page that they like, I'll happily make them a rock with that specific design.”
Ilg also enjoys working with children on this unusual art form. “I have worked with numerous children on rock painting, and honestly, that is the biggest joy I get from this craft. Kids love it. They are so excited to have something to hold, that they found themselves, and painting and creating on that stone that will last. It has been a joy to nurture creativity with children, as my parents did with me.”
She noted, “Rock painting brings me pure bliss. The process is magical! Half of the joy is walking the shore and finding a rock that sparks joy. I believe in the power of one’s own creativity, and rock painting is the ability to leave something behind that will last.”
Ingrid was inspired by the gorgeous blooms of the lupines in the area. Art by Ingrid Ilg.
Next time you are walking any of the area’s rocky beach landscapes, keep an eye out for one of Ingrid’s outdoor “art gallery” pieces. Or find your favorite rocks as blank canvases, and, with some bright acrylic paints, make your own miniature masterpieces!
