Eden Elwell is a mixed media artist based in Kentucky. You can find her on twitter and instagram at @EdenElwell.
What was your first memorable experience with art?
The women in my family are mostly very artistic, especially on my mom’s side. None of them do it professionally, but some are very skilled. I remember as a kid having my great grandmothers teach me to paint rocks and draw birds, and coloring with my mom. Most of my meaningful connections start with memories of art.
What kind of art did you do before you found your style?
Can I say that I haven’t really found my style? I do, but at the same time “my style”encompasses much more variety than it used to. Before I started to find my original ideas I did a lot of colored pencil drawings, mostly surrealism (which I still love), and I repurposed old jewelry to create collages on canvas.
At what point in your art career did you first feel comfortable introducing yourself as an artist?
I started to market myself as an artist in about 7th grade. It was around this time I realized I wanted to pursue art as a career and started to find ways to turn art into money, at first with the jewelry collages. Soon after, I started getting commissions for many different types of art. By 16 I was getting my business license, and almost 4 years later my success continues to grow.
What creation has brought you the most satisfaction to complete and bring into the world?
My found object sculptures. I struggle to love my creations, but these have always felt different to me. Probably because all of the materials and ideas come directly from nature. Sculptures also feel so much more real and impressive to me.
How often do you get to sit down and play around with ideas?
Every time I make art. Trying new things and adding new techniques/mediums to my portfolio is how I’ve built a business - I am flexible enough to work for someone no matter what they want. Everything from traditional painting, sculpture, and graphic design are services I offer.
What is your artistic raison d'être, what do you hope will be your legacy?
I want my legacy to be my passion, not just for art but for the life that exists in the motion of the world. My art conveys my perception, but I want this perception to be passed on because I see so much beauty in a thriving natural state. I’d also like for my person - and soon to be husband - to be part of my legacy, for our love is one of the rarest and most precious things I have.
What are you currently working on?
Many things, haha! As far as commissions go I’m designing murals for a local community center, doing design work for a growing business, and I’ve got a few custom paintings people have ordered. There are a few businesses I have on retainer and do regular work for. Personally I have a never ending list of paintings, sculptures, and illustrations that I’m dying to do. That has to take a back seat to all of my school work at the moment, though.
Where do you hope art takes you next?
Ultimately I am trying to transition my business to be more focused on what I want to be creating, instead of taking so many commissions I’m not passionate about. I’d like to make more with my personal art and attract commissions that cater to my artistic vision. Once I have time I’d love to produce enough work for a gallery or art fair.
