The trap of intensions

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

If I have an intension, a vision of how my work is going to look when finished, I am limiting it´s possibilities to what I already know. Often when I fall into that trap, I will not be happy about the result. The image does not look like something I could imagine in beforehand. On the contrary, if I just let go, …

Back on track – searching for the core

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

For me printmaking is the best way to explore the possibilities of the visual language. Mixing printing processes from drypoint to linocut, adding inkjet prints, trying to make it all dissolve into a unity, not achievable in any other process. The result is one-of-a-kind prints. From the same plate totally different images can be built, layer by layer. There are layers …

A fragile world

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

This is a special day, waking up to the result of the American election. Yesterday was a day of hope, but also the feeling of watching a nightmare coming true, without the possibility to contribute. Sitting on the sideline the only thing making sense is to work. Trying to express the contrasts in life, feeling Mother Earth shivering in fear.   This drawing I …

To explore rather than to explain

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

Through printmaking I get the tools to explore the visual language based on it´s own qualities. Not as a way to present a written story, some extern idea, but on it´s own right. The story of lines, textures, and colors meeting, mixing and building up – layer by layer. The history of the print is based on craftsmanship, invented for bringing a message …

Breaking down – building up

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

In my last post I showed one of my latest works, drypoint printed in 4 monoprints with chine collé. It was time to move on, new areas to explore. I cut the plate in four. Could I make each part work as a separate image? Worth a try I thought. I started out with two of my new plates, combined with …

A print is a journey

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

I love surprises. When travelling I like to explore the place I visit, to find stuff I could not read about in advance, the unexpected. For me every print is like a journey. It can be a short visit, but still leave strong impressions, or it can be a long lasting stay, forcing me to dig deeper. Some times it feels …

Forgetting about my intensions

ellypartworks, Uncategorized

Last night I finished this monotype/collage. I started it when I was an artist in residence at Zea Mays Printmaking in Massachusetts more than a year ago. Some pictures just need time to mature, to get their message through to me. Or may be it is the other way around, I have to forget about my intentions, to see the picture as …

Iceland – buildings in landscape.

ellypartworks, Residencies and travel, Uncategorized

It is like a painting. All colors are all ready there, and the brush is painting the landscape with light. Highlighting, dissolving and changing the picture as you are looking. Our hosts of the Stiflisdalur Artsymposium, Margret and Sverrir, took us on three day trips in the area north and west of our base camp. Of course there are hundreds of …

Art symposium in Iceland

ellypartworks, Residencies and travel, Uncategorized

Being an artist is often a lonely situation. Getting out of the studio, meeting new people, breaking daily rutines, leaving the comfort zone is a necessity. A new adventure was waiting in 2016. I was invited by German artist Margret Schopka to participate in a symposium in Iceland. She has arranged several symposiums over the years, at her place in …