Ellen’s path to becoming an abstract artist took many turns. Discouraged from attending art school in favor of a more academic path, she focused on her other passion: musical theatre where she was a touring stage manager for several years. After a minor injury sidelined her for a short time, she became a graphic designer which led to user interface design, product development, and life on the corporate track - culminating in a variety of creative roles as a corporate executive in a Fortune 100 company.

She successfully transitioned from the structured world of business to the vibrant and dynamic realm of abstract art. Her work exudes an unmistakable urban vibe, reflecting the dichotomy of her past and present. Ellen is known for her unconventional textures and techniques, and she often incorporates found materials into her work, lending an authentic urban grit to her pieces. Old maps, torn posters, discarded packing and construction materials, find their way into her paintings, adding elements of surprise and discovery for the viewer.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My paintings develop organically as I work on them. I'm drawn to the character of aging buildings and how time and the elements leave their mark. There's beauty in rust, peeling paint, and cracked surfaces that I try to reflect in my art. I enjoy the endless possibilities of combining different elements and textures into a single piece.

I start each new painting by putting something—anything—on the surface. It could be simple marks, pieces of paper, or random color blocks. Each element guides the next, making the process mostly intuitive. Layers of paint and paper are applied, scraped away, and painted over until a history emerges. Every addition or removal presents a problem to solve, which is both challenging and freeing.