Ellen Jewett was born in Markham Ontario and raised among newts and snails. While finishing her undergraduate degrees Ellen worked in medical illustration, exotic animal care and was teaching a childrens class on stop motion animation. By the time she presented her thesis, Ellen’s academic and artistic interests in the biological where intrinsically interwoven.
Our complementary differences, 2017. Detail. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
Considered by those who know her as a natural entrepreneur, Ellen set out on her own path as a career artist while still in high school, spending long summer weekends travelling to exhibitions. Ever the curious soul, while working as an artist Ellen has continued to study art and science respectively, most recently, through Haliburton School of the Arts and University of Guelph. She has also accumulated certifications in other areas of personal intrigue, including applied animal behavior modification and crisis counseling. According to Ellen, it all informs her art; enriching the content of the unconscious narrative flow.
Strange and gentle X, 2016. Detail. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
According to Ellen words: “Plants and animals have always been the surface on which humans have etched the foundations of culture, sustenance, and identity. For myself, natural forms are a continual source of fascination and deep aesthetic pleasure.”
A disquieting intellect and tradion, 2017. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
“In the spirit of surrealism, this psychological approach to artistic expression creates a rich network of personal archetypes and motifs that appear to occupy their own otherworldly space. Within this ethereal menagerie, anthrozoology meets psychoanalysis as themes of natural beauty, curiosity, colonialism, domestication, death, growth, visibility and wildness are explored.”
Our complementary differences, 2017. Detail. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
“While I seek to free my mind to the imaginative process, I am always simultaneously striving to refine my working environment. I abstain from all materials; clay, paints, glazes, finishes and mediums, that have known toxic properties. This, unavoidably, excludes most of what is commonly commercially available, and has sent me on a journey of unique material combination and invention. This exploration is a large part of the unconventional look and feel of my work. Where possible I source the natural, the local, the low impact and, always, the authentic.”
Strange and gentle VII, 2016. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
Image 01: In light of past experience, 2017. Image courtesy of Ellen Jewett
Discover: www.ellenjewettsculpture.com
