By Ellie Wyeth
Artist statement:
Several years ago, I conducted a study on two art genres: Symbolism and Surrealism. I created a body of work intended to portray my sense of self within my home environment.
Using animals and birds as icons in various interiors, I began by visualizing myself in familiar domestic settings that feel private and personal. I aimed to create a safe space, using light and shadow, color, and detail.
The symbolism of the animals and birds plays a significant role in expressing my state of mind at the time. Their presence serves as both a safety net and an interpreter between my physical self and emotional experience.
My art education included humorous art and illustration, which has consistently influenced the themes in my work. I continue to incorporate animals and birds—both domestic and wild—into most of my paintings. I feel a painting truly comes to life when it features an unexpected visitor.
Artist bio:
Ellie’s career began many years ago as free-lance illustrator designing notecards, invitations and illustrations for private customers and small businesses in NYC and Princeton, NJ. Clients included Rutgers University Press, The Eagleton Institute, John McPhee’s short story, Irons in the Fire, first featured in The New Yorker, and many other publications and organizations.
After working for five years at an artist residency in Umbria, Italy where she painted landscapes and still life in oil and acrylic, Ellie began to wonder about applying her artistic skills to more functional objects.
Over the years she adapted her painterly style and vivid colors to the floor and the table, creating distinctive custom-made floorcloths and placemats. She traveled extensively from Baltimore to Boston exhibiting her work at Fine Art craft fairs, including the American Craft Council, Paradise City Arts Festival, as well as many others.
Using flora and fauna, she creates a storybook world with whimsy and humor painting in saturated colors adding to the joyful nature of each piece.
Ellie has a growing collection of paintings, custom portraits of friends and family and private commissions.
