About the Artists

LIZ SMITH

The artwork behind Paško is the work of visual artist Liz Smith, whose connection to the brand is rooted in both personal history and shared creative values. When Hip & Humble approached Liz with the idea for Paško, it wasn’t just the concept that resonated, it was the intention. From the beginning, the collaboration was built on mutual respect, thoughtful storytelling, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics that go beyond surface-level trends.

With a childhood shaped by a military family and a life lived across continents, Liz's perspective is global, layered, and deeply human. Her early years spent in Japan had a lasting impact, influencing not only her visual language but also her approach to culture, identity, and design. The pagodas, cranes, and delicate color palettes throughout the Paško collection are all steeped in memory—inspired by the textiles, decor, and everyday objects that surrounded her growing up.

For Liz, every piece of art created for Paško was a study in balance: structure and softness, tradition and whimsy, intention and instinct. From the bold citrus motifs in Valencia to the layered elegance of the Mahogany crane and the tonal harmony in Soluna’s pagodas, each design was developed in close collaboration with the Paško team, with full trust in Liz's creative vision.

The mint pattern, inspired by the fresh, playful notes of Paško’s lip gloss, was the most intuitive to paint. Its palette of greens, pinks, and oranges echoed the colors found throughout Liz’s own home. The crane design took the most refining, as finding the right balance of tone and personality took time. The pagodas came last and carried the pressure of tying the collection together, yet they emerged fully formed, striking, and untouched.

Throughout the process, Liz felt not only included but empowered. The freedom to guide artistic decisions based on her expertise made the project feel less like a commission and more like a shared vision.

Pasko reflects that spirit—a collection built with care, shaped by collaboration, and brought to life by an artist whose work, like the fragrances themselves, is grounded in memory, curiosity, and joy.