Hi, My Name is Elle!
I simply could not pick a more representative photo of myself than this one; wearing bright colors, taking millions of photos of random moss that I found simply because I thought it was gorgeous and would make a stellar painting.
My Background as an Artist
I have been practicing various forms of art for as long as I could remember. All the way back to my fondest memories of art kits given to me as Christmas presents when I was little. As I got older I was placed in various art courses, one of them a one-on-one course to be trained in oil painting. I stuck with oil painting throughout my teens and AP art courses in high school.
I went to college for Apparel design and merchandising (still in the art realm, but a big change from what I was used to) thinking that this would be a way to monetize my creativity. I took various art courses ranging from charcoal drawing, to still life, to many courses specializing in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. After working in the apparel industry I realized it was not a right fit for me, and took a break from dedicating my time as a designer and artist to work from home while raising our son. One day I realized the artist in me could not be ignored. I picked up a paintbrush again, though this time focusing on acrylic, and got back to work. It felt like finally coming home to the place I belonged the most. My soul and heart has never felt more fulfilled, and I am so happy you are here. Even if you are not here to buy the art, the very idea that someone is here to look at it is truly a dream, and I am honored.
My Stance on AI
I will never use AI in my art. Every art piece I have holds a piece of my soul, takes so much of my time, my energy, my patience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. To scan my art into the computer I use a small, woman owned business in my town. She fixes any background noise/shadows and shine by hand herself. I know that by posting my art online that it will be scanned, stolen, used as training, and I despise this, I really do. Shame on all companies that require this of artists. But, alas, that is where we are at right now and I am doing my best to still reach you, my future customer (Hopefully! Please!) while navigating my feelings in this uncertain age of technology.
For context, even while creating this website I was offered AI services so many times. I hate website building. SO very much. This would have made my life much easier, but I refused. There is something to be said about pride in what one does with their own two hands and beautiful mind. While my website is not perfect, my apologies, I took so long creating this and I am proud of myself.
“It is not the language of painters but the language of nature which one should listen to, the feeling for the things themselves, for reality is more important than the feeling for pictures.”
- Vincent Van Gogh