Born in Sacramento, California, Liz Larner studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where she earned her BFA in 1985. She emerged in the late 1980s as a significant figure in the Los Angeles art scene, gaining early recognition for her complex, often large-scale installations that challenged traditional notions of sculpture.

Her practice frequently incorporates industrial and organic materials, such as chain, ceramic, and plastics, to explore themes of tension, gravity, and structural integrity. Her work often engages with the physical environment, encouraging viewers to navigate the spatial dynamics created by her forms.

Larner continues to be a prominent presence in contemporary sculpture, with her work held in major institutional collections. Her influence is reflected in ongoing acquisitions by national museums, including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which has integrated her practice into its major revitalization projects.