Helsinki Five Collage

Ellen’s path to becoming an abstract artist took many turns. Discouraged from attending art school in favor of a more traditional route, 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 management positions 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. A native New Yorker, Ellen is essentially self-taught, and her work exudes an unmistakable urban vibe, reflecting the dichotomy of her past and present. She 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.