Artist Statement:
Shadows on the ceiling, Play-doh™, collecting pansy seeds from her mother's garden, and an art table in her parents' basement were Ellen's beginning as a maker. A love of art and nature lead to degrees in both ornamental horticulture and graphic design. She went on to study with Milton Glaser, became a graphic design teacher at the University of Maryland, and ran her award-winning graphic design business before moving to be with her soon-to-be musician husband in Northern New Jersey.
Ellen missed working with her hands as graphics became technology driven. She took classes in metals which captivated her instantly. She studied with many teachers, including Bob Ebendorf and John Cogswell, and went on to become a jeweler. She participates in many craft shows, including the American Craft Council and the Smithsonian Craft Optimism. Early on she was a Niche Finalist and was juried into the Peter's Valley School of Art show Act 2, Art as a Career Sequel. In 2021 Ellen received the Award of Excellence in the Memorial Art Gallery Fine Craft Show.
Currently Ellen is teaching jewelry at The Art School at the Old Church, Demarest, New Jersey.
Photos by Mark Visbal
